Introduction
After a shocking defeat against Levante. Balompie is ready to bounce back in the Sevilla derby at their home Benito Villamarin. Sevilla had ended 2020 with a sweet victory against Villareal. They are ready to start the second half of the season with a victory as usual. Real Betis is at the 10th position of the table and the Lopetegui side is at the 4th of the league table. Balompie side has a sort of stylish attack and midfield. On the other hand, Sevilla FC is having a good forward line with a specialty in midfield and stable defense.
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Build-up
Real Betis side had ended 2020 with a painful defeat against Levante and found their position at 10th of the table. But Sevilla had tasted their victories in the last two consecutive meetings against Valencia CF and Villareal and secured a good position at 4th following Real Sociedad. Real Betis and Cadiz are sharing both equal points but Cadiz is ahead of the Balompies in certain goal differences. So a win for Real Betis tonight can leave Cadiz behind the Balompies to the 9th position of the table. Whereas a win for Sevilla FC will lead to an equal sharing of points with Real Sociedad at 29. Their position will be according to their goal difference.
Head-to-Head
The real Betis side is having some horrible season last year. In the last meetings, they smelled the victory against Cadiz but their last meeting against Levante was unfortunately tasted bitter with a marginal loss of 4-3. Balompies are eager to start the first game of 2021 with a victory against Sevilla. Though the opponents are tough they are optimistic this time. Sevilla has won their last 2 games against Valencia and Villareal. They are also ready to taste their third consecutive victory against the Pellegrini brigade to secure a better position on the table. Lopetegui’s side recorded a 2-0 win against Villareal in their home with scoring goals by Ocampos and En-Nesyri.
Real Betis LaLiga form: L-W-D-L-W-L
Sevilla FC La Liga form: W-L-W-D-W-W
Team News and Tactics
Consistency is a serious problem for the Pellegrini side in the 2020-21 season. Cristian Tello has picked up a groin injury in the last meeting against Levante who will be on the sideline against Sevilla tonight. Victor Camrasa, William Carvalho, Marc Bartra, and Claudio Bravo are also unavailable for the match for their injuries. Antonio Sanabria and Sergio Canales will be seen in action tonight.
Lopetegui’s side also had some serious injury issues with Tomas Vaclik and Sergio Escudero, midfielder Fernando will not be available tonight for a yellow card problem. Nemanja Gudelj will most probably be replacing him tonight at the game. Munir El Haddadi and Oscar Rodriguez are also available tonight and are expected to have some minutes on the pitch.
Possible Lineup of Real Betis
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Joel will start in the goal, Emerson, Mandi, Ruiz, Miranda will be in the charge of defence. Midfield will be engaged by Guardado, Canales, Ruibal, and Rodriguez. The attack is arranged by Sanabria and Nabil Fekir.
Possible Lineup for Sevilla FC
Formation: 4-3-3
Bono will be seen in a goalie. The defense line is most probably arranged with Jesus Navas, Kounde, Diego Carlos, Acuna. Ivan Rakitic, Jorda, Gudelj will be the midfield. The attack is lined up with Ocampos, En-Nesyri, and Suso.
Stats
Real Betis and Sevilla FC have played 42 matches so far. Balompies won just 7, Sevilla FC 21, 14 draws. Real Betis is looking to start 2021 with a victory over Lopetegui’s side after their defeat against Levantewhich ended up their 2020 unexpectedly.
Players to watch
Real Betis
Nabil Fekir
This Frenchman is very creative in the midfield with huge ability in set pieces and a specialist in Deadball. He’s impressive on the attack and creates a difference on the pitch. Fekir is a regular player and played 14 matches this season with scoring a goal and an assist for the club.
Aitor Ruibal
The Spanish have played 10 matches and scored a goal with an assist. He can be a key player in the absence of Cristian Tello.
Sevilla FC
Youssef En-Nesyri:
This 23-year-old Moroccan have played 14 games in LaLiga this season with scoring 5 goals. Many expectations are there from this young lad who scored a goal last night against Villareal.
Nemanja Gudelj
The Serbian have played 11 matches this season. Much a strong and effective player in the midfield who has the ability to create chances in the attack.
Conclusion
Manuel Pellegrini is eager to taste the first victory of 2021. As his team has failed to exhibit the consistency that was expected from the squad in the first half of the season. On the other hand, Julen Lopetegui is on the way to their third consecutive victory after Valencia CF and Villareal. Overall the match is going to be very entertaining and both the team are going to push each other very much for the 3 points.
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