Real Betis vs Sevilla - Friday, 12th April (21:00)

I've no idea why this game is being played on a Friday when Sevilla played on Monday night and Betis last Friday, but hey, these games are always fun... unless you're supporting Sevilla, that is.

There's a very simple reason for that: Sevilla have won one away game in La Liga all season and that was way back in August against Deportivo. It's because of their woeful away form this season that they've found themselves in no-mans land in mid-table and why they have slim chances of sneaking into the top six.

Betis, meanwhile, have lost once in their last six games and are coming into the game fresh off a 5-1 thrashing of Granada. They're four points behind Sociedad in fourth, so Champions League football is still very much attainable for them. If that's not motivation enough, they just have to remember that Sevilla beat them 5-1 in the reverse fixture earlier in the season.


Although anything can happen in a derby game, all signs point to a comfortable Betis win; Sevilla's defence is leaky, there's a good chance that Navarro or Medel will get a red card and Negredo is guaranteed to miss at least one sitter per game.

The likely teams are:


Key men:

Betis - Canas, Benat, Pabon, Castro

Sevilla - Rakitic, Navas, Reyes, Negredo

So, anyone else tuning in tomorrow night?

I won't be able to see the game but I definitely want to bump this thread and give it attention because this will be a great game. It usually is.

I think I might give this a look in, its at a decent time US-wise

Hala Sevilla

Hope my brothers Coke Negrito and Medel smash the pretenders

It's a very interesting match. Just hoping Betis doesn't find themselves 10 men down after 5 mins like last time ( Same with Sevilla to be fair since they are red card specialists )

Would love nothing better than a fair derby ( and a betis win )

Main battle will be between Benat and Canas, who have formed an excellent partnership in the middle for Betis, against the tenacious Medel and the exciting yet powerful Kondogbia.

As amazing as Benat has been this season, he has a tendency to flop in big matches. Worried him and Canas might get physically bullied by Medel n Kondogbia. However if they both stay calm and composed then they can easily out-pass and out-think the latter two.

Going forward, Navas has had a fantastic season, yet again, so far. And while Reyes is capable of random moment of geniuses, Rakitic is a fantastic player who is the key in releasing Navas on the right as well as feeding negredo ( like feed 10 times to score 1 ).

Ruben Castro for Betis has been absolutely amazing. His hold up and goals have been crucial for Betis as it was found out when he got suspended for 3 games. Pabon has settled in after a struggle while Joel Campbell has fast become a fan favourite with energetic displays.

Should be a really good match. Betis might edge this one though since Pepe Mel >>> Emery

Prediction 3-2 to betis

Official teams are out:

Real Betis: Adrian; Chica, Paulao, Amaya, Martinez; Canas, Benat, Juankar; Campbell, Castro, Pabon

Sevilla: Beto; Coke, Fazio, Botia, Alberto; Medel, Kondogbia; Navas, Rakitic, Reyes; Negredo

Kick-off in just under 45 minutes.

Get in there Campbell

This is going to be a great game and if Betis don't lose unnecessary posession in the middle they will totally dominate this game

Although Navas has been decent this season he has a tendency of dissapearing in games ever so often then you have that left sided Robben trying to be a hero

If Sevilla focus on their defence and don't commit many men forward they might have a chance of sneaking a win

well theres a nice little scar for Negredo

15 seconds in

lmao it's already getting heated. Only 2 minutes

Campbell what a touch

Atmosphere is brilliant.

Betis applying some pressure now. Sevilla need long periods with the ball to calm things down.

Alberto already struggling with Campbell.

Benat booked. 6th minute.

Betis look really good

Certainly surprised with how high they are pressing though

Arsenal Legend Campbell

What a fantastic goal by Rakitic!

1-0 Sevilla

Sevilla against the run of play

gol

What a great finish by Rakitic

Now park the bus ffs.

What a stunning run by Navas

Amazing match so far

Pabon

Rakitic taking up great positions so far

Someone on Betis is losing him around the box

No idea what Beto and Botia were trying to do there.

Shots from Negredo and Rakitic met with good saves from Adrian.

What a game so far!!!

Medel looks like Mike tyson