Pepe Mel, the boss of Real Betis has issued his players a fair warning that defeating the Las Palmas will be no easy task when the two clash in Copa del Rey football action on Thursday night.  Hence, Mel feels as though his side is in for a competitive football game when they go head-to-head with the veteran team.

"We will not face a Segunda Division team, but a side full of experienced players;  they are doing well this season so far," he stated, according to Bettor.

The Spanish leader is urging his squad to not take Las Palmas for granted and thinks the matchup will be a hard fought battle for three points.

"Thinking that this will be easy will be a mistake.  Winning will not be easy, because at their ground they are going to make things very difficult," Mel added.

Nonetheless, the skipper also said that he'll be tinkering with his starting lineup for the game.  The 49-year-old also mentioned that the players experience in La Liga play will factor into his respective decision.

"Tomorrow I will make some changes, but those that will play will have many games of experience in La Liga," he said.

Mel, who formerly coached Rayo Vallecano, believes that winning the Copa del Rey is the most effective way for his club to get to Europe.

"We will play an XI with consideration towards both the Cup and the weekend's League match against Vigo.  I still believe that this competition is the easiest way to get into Europe," he said.

Overall, Real Betis is off to a good start to the season and aren't too far out of the European picture.  At the present time, they're sitting in 5th place with 25 points.

CLICK HERE to watch Real Betis face off against Las Palmas via live stream.  Coverage of the Copa del Rey game is set to begin at 10 p.m. CET on Thursday, Dec. 13.

Tags: Copa del Rey International Soccer