La Liga
Real Betis vs Sevilla Match Preview
The Seville Derby is front and center on Sunday as Sevilla visit neighbors Real Betis. If one had not felt like a new La Liga season had begun, this weekend should announce it loud and clear. The match promises to be a real spectacle, mostly due to the home side’s recent success.
Betis dominated the two meetings between both clubs last year, finishing above Sevilla at the end of the season. It was a rare occurrence, and the visitors will be motivated to return things to normal. ‘Los Béticos’ have had a disappointing start, losing 3-0 on opening day and are goalless after two matches.
If head coach Quique Setien intends to replicate last season’s 6th placed finish, Sunday’s derby is a good place to start. On the other hand, their opponents have had the opposite experience. After a disappointing season last year, Sevilla look rejuvenated under new coach Pablo Machin.
The team has conceded only once in their last five matches, despite the loss of defender Clement Lenglet to Barcelona. New signing Andre Silva has especially impressed, scoring a hat-trick on his debut. So far, Machin’s team has won seven of their nine matches since his start in May.
Additionally, Sevilla qualified for the Europa League group stage on Thursday easily winning 3-0 in the Czech Republic. Whereas fatigue may be a factor for them, momentum may be more deciding. Likewise, Betis will compete in the Europa League this season due to their finishing position in La Liga last year.
Predicted Lineups
Betis: Pau Lopez, Guerrero, Fedal, Firpo, Mandi, Bartra, Canales, Carvalho, Guardado, Inui, Moron
Sevilla: Vaclik, Jesus Navas, Kjaer, Gomez, Mercardo, Arana, Sarabia, Banega, Mesa, Vasquez, Silva
Prediction
Despite last year’s positive results for Betis, it would be difficult to expect the same on Sunday. In fact, the home side only managed a 2-2 draw when Sevilla visited last season, despite their apparent superiority at the time. The smaller Seville team had won 5-3 last year in the first fixture, achieving 80% pass accuracy and sharing the goals around.
However, it seems the derby has come too early in the season this time. While the visitors have benefited in preparation from Europa qualification matches, Quique’s men seem to still be finding their way. Derbies are unpredictable and especially in La Liga. Nevertheless, a Sevilla victory seems more likely at Estadio Benito Villamarin.
Betis’ new signing William Carvalho has started both La Liga games and his work in midfield with vice-captain Guardado will be crucial. Either way, it is unlikely to stop the unit that Machin has formed since his appointment in May. The Spanish coach seems to have worked the same magic he did at Girona last season and it should get him a victory on the road.
Real Betis 1 – 4 Sevilla
