Preview: Sevilla vs Real Betis – prediction, team news, lineups

The Seville derby takes center stage on Sunday, as Sevilla welcomes rivals Real Betis to the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan for Matchday 14 of the La Liga season.

The hosts are currently in 11th place with 16 points, while Betis are fifth with 21 points, adding an extra edge to a rivalry that already lacks extra drama.

---

match preview

Sevilla find themselves in a precarious position with 16 points from 13 matches and are struggling to find consistency under Matias Almeida.

Their 2-1 defeat to Espanyol last time out highlighted their ongoing issues, with a poor run of form having seen them win just once in their last five league games.

That streak includes four losses and one win, underscoring the gradually increasing pressure on the Argentina coach.

Domestic form has provided little reassurance, with Sevilla recording just two wins, one draw and three defeats at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan this season.

Their defensive record has also been problematic, having conceded 21 goals while scoring 19, pointing to a lack of balance at both ends of the pitch.

Although there have been occasional flashes of quality, Sevilla have yet to perform as expected from a club of their stature.

Their overall form has improved slightly in all competitions, winning two of their last five games, but their La Liga struggles remain the major concern heading into this tough derby clash.

Real Betis, on the other hand, are in a much stronger position with Manuel Pellegrini’s side in fifth place with 21 points, having recorded five wins, six draws and just two defeats in the league so far.

They were held to a 1–1 draw by Verona in their last La Liga match, but continued their unbeaten run in the league, a trait that has defined their campaign.

The Verdeblancos also enjoyed a confidence-boosting 2-1 win over Utrecht in the Europa League on Thursday night.

Betis have shown good balance this season, scoring 20 goals while conceding 14, which is indicative of Pellegrini’s well-prepared and structured approach.

Their form in all competitions has also been solid, with three wins and two draws in their last five matches.

Their away performances are particularly notable as Betis are still unbeaten in La Liga this season, with one win and five draws from six away games – a record that could prove vital in the extremely hostile environment of Pizjuan.

In the most recent Seville derby, Betis won 2–1 at home, giving them a psychological advantage. However, looking at the last five meetings overall, the rivalry remains fairly balanced: Sevilla has won twice, Betis once, with two draws.

Sevilla La Liga Form:

Sevilla form (all competitions):

Real Betis La Liga form:

Real Betis form (all competitions):

---

team news

Sevilla will be without Adnan Januzaj, who is out until mid-December with a hamstring injury.

Cesar Azpilicueta remains doubtful with a muscle problem, while Isaac Romero will also miss the game through injury.

Tanguy Nianzou is another absentee, with the centre-back not expected to return until mid-January as he recovers from a thigh problem.

For Real Betis, Antony will miss the derby due to suspension after receiving a red card in his last league match.

Sofiane Amrabat is also unavailable after suffering a foot injury early in Betis’ Europa League win over Utrecht and is expected to be out until mid-December.

Goalkeeper Pau Lopez has returned to training after suffering a tendon injury but is not expected to feature, while Isco has been ruled out again after suffering a fresh foot injury during the Europa League tie.

Sevilla probable starting lineup:

Vlachodimos; Sanchez, Castrín, Marcão, Suazo; Sow, Mendy; Ezuke, Fernandez, Vargas; adams

Real Betis’ probable starting lineup:

Vallés; Rodriguez, Nathan, Llorente, Ortiz; Roca, Deosa, Fornals; Ezalzouli, Hernandez, Garcia

---

We say: Sevilla 0-2 Real Betis

If Betis control the midfield and maintain their defensive discipline, they can secure a comfortable victory.

Sevilla’s defensive struggles, inconsistency and injury problems have made it difficult to see them breaking down Pellegrini’s team.

Please click here for data analysis of the most probable outcomes of this match, scoreline and more.

---

---