The highly anticipated Seville derby is set to unfold at Estadio Ramon on Sunday evening, as Sevilla plays host to an in-form Real Betis in La Liga. Both teams are heading into this clash following their respective European fixtures.
Match Preview
Sevilla suffered a 2-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Champions League, whereas Real Betis secured a convincing 4-1 victory over Aris Limassol in the Europa League.
Following their 12th place finish in La Liga last season, Sevilla has struggled to find their form this term, securing only 11 points from their first 11 matches and currently occupying the 15th position in the table.
Their recent performance in La Liga has been lackluster, with the team failing to secure a victory since the end of September.
On the other hand, Real Betis has displayed impressive form, winning their last five matches and remaining unbeaten in their last 11 across various competitions.
The team’s recent triumphs include a 4-1 win over Aris Limassol in the Europa League and a dominant 12-1 victory over Hernan Cortes in the Copa del Rey.
Sevilla’s La Liga form: W L D D D D
Sevilla’s overall form (all competitions): D L D W D L
Real Betis’s La Liga form: D W D D W W
Real Betis’s overall form (all competitions): D W W W W W
Team News:
Sevilla will be without Marcos Acuna, Orjan Nyland, Sergio Ramos, Marcao, Alfonso Pastor, and likely Boubakary Soumare due to injuries.
Head coach Diego Alonso is expected to make several changes to the lineup, with key players such as Ivan Rakitic, Lucas Ocampos, Jesus Navas, and Dodi Lukebakio set to return.
Real Betis will miss Rui Silva, Youssouf Sabaly, and Marc Bartra due to injury.
Coach Manuel Pellegrini is anticipated to reintroduce Ayoze Perez, Isco, Guido Rodriguez, Juan Miranda, Assane Diao, Willian Jose, and Hector Bellerin after making alterations to the XI in the Europa League clash.
Possible Starting Lineups:
Sevilla:
- Dmitrovic; Navas, Bade, Gudelj, Pedrosa;
- Sow, Jordan, Rakitic;
- Ocampos, En-Nesyri, Lukebakio
Real Betis:
- Bravo;
- Bellerin, Pezzella, Riad, Miranda;
- Rodriguez, Roca;
- Diao, Isco, Perez;
- Willian Jose
Predictions:
Based on recent form and historical encounters, we anticipate a hard-fought 1-1 draw between Sevilla and Real Betis, continuing their trend of closely contested matches.