Real Betis vs Sevilla Predictions & Match Preview

Real Betis vs Sevilla predictions and match preview for Sunday’s LaLiga fixture. Read on for analysis, team news and predicted lineups ahead of the big Seville derby.

Real Betis vs Sevilla Preview

One of the biggest matches in Spain takes place this weekend as Sevilla travel across town to face Real Betis in El Gran Derbi. Betis find themselves as high as fourth in the table and will be looking to maintain their strong form whilst Sevilla will be looking for a result against their biggest rivals to turn attention away from their poor season. 

Betis’ last domestic outing came as a 2-0 victory away at the Reale Arena against Real Sociedad. Apart from a deflected effort from Carlos Fernandez hitting the woodwork, nothing really of note happened in the first half. The second half was much improved with most of the chances falling to the Basque side, and early on Betis keeper Rui Silva was forced into an excellent one on one save from Fernandez. Nabil Fekir would soon hit the post directly from a corner and La Real would continue to create chances, however a give away late on allowed Alex Moreno to run towards goal and play the ball into Juan Cruz who slotted the ball excellently into the far corner from the edge of the box to give Betis the lead.

Moments after, substitute Jon Magunazelaia would connect well with a header from a set piece which seemed destined to be the equaliser, but once again Silva showed heroics in the Betis goal and tipped the ball over to keep the visitors in front. Right before the end of the game, Alex Moreno ran the length of the pitch and set up Borja Iglesias at the far post to confirm all three points for Los Verdiblancos. 

Prior to the start of the campaign, many believed that Sevilla would regress and that their top four spot would be up for grabs with Betis being arguably the favourites to take it. So far this season, Manuel Pellegrini’s side have justified this tag as they find themselves in fourth spot level on points with Atletico and just after defeating top four competitors Real Sociedad. Los Verdiblancos play an entertaining style of football and have a strong squad and a Champions League spot seems more than possible, and a win against their biggest rivals would further their chances. 

Sevilla come into this match after losing 1-0 at home to Rayo Vallecano. Five minutes in, Marko Dmitrovic came out of his goal to stop a one on one from Sergio Camello but like Betis’ game against Sociedad, most of the chances came in the second half. 

In the 50th minute, a smart ball from Isco gifted Rafa Mir a one on one with Dimitrievski who did well to save, but the ball came back to Rafa Mir who had an empty net to aim at yet was unable to convert. Minutes later, Isco would play another excellent pass, this time into Erik Lamela, who hit a fine volley which was well saved again by Dimitrievski. 

Three minutes later, Rayo played a long ball forward to Alvaro Garcia who cut inside past two defenders and slotted home at the near post. This goal seemed to deflate Sevilla, who’s only real effort afterwards was a reasonably close effort from a Joan Jordan free kick. Rayo did have a four on two chance on the counter, however this time Garcia’s effort was deflected wide. Ultimately, Rayo left the south of Spain with all three points, leaving Sevilla in the relegation zone. 

Although they have secured Europa League qualification for after the new year, Sevilla are experiencing their worst season in recent memory with only two wins from twelve LaLiga matches. If they were able to win at the Benito Villamarin, however, this would lift pressure off of the team and give the players a large confidence boost.

Team News & Possible Lineups

Real Betis

Possible XI: Silva – Moreno, Edgar, Pezzella, Sabaly – Guido Rodriguez, Carvalho – Henrique, Fekir, Canales – Iglesias (4-2-3-1)

Coach: Manuel Pellegrini

Sevilla

Possible XI: Bono – Telles, Rekik, Gudelj, Montiel – Jordan, Rakitic, Oliver – Lamela, Mir, Navas (4-3-3)

Coach: Jorge Sampaoli

Score Prediction: Real Betis 3-1 Sevilla

Although Betis have not beaten Sevilla in the league since September 2018, this feels like the biggest difference between the two sides in years and there only seems to be one winner.

That being said, anything can happen in derbies and the Sevilla players may have extra motivation to please their fans with a result here after such a poor start to the season.

PLEASE NOTE – Our LaLiga predictions are not betting tips! No profits are guaranteed if you’re using them to bet on Spanish football. If you are gambling, do so responsibly and never stake more than you can afford to lose. BeGambleAware.