Sevilla Puts Unbeaten Home Mark on Line
It’s certainly not the most high-profile derby in Spanish soccer but the Seville derby is a big one. Especially this season, as Sevilla and Real Betis are second and third, respectively in the La Liga table. They’ll meet on Sunday in a match that has major ramifications for the title race.
Sevilla are soccer betting favorites for Sunday’s match at home, where they haven’t lost all season, but have some significant absences.
Sevilla vs Real Betis Betting Preview
- Game: Sevilla FC vs Real Betis Balompie
- Location: Estadio Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán, Sevilla, Spain
- Date/Time: Sunday, 10:15 a.m. ET
Sevilla vs Real Betis Head to Head
In the Copa Del Rey round of 16, Real Betis defeated Sevilla 2-1 and got their first win over their Seville rivals since 2018. Sevilla are undefeated in the last six La Liga meetings and have shut out Betis in three of the last four league fixtures. That includes Sevilla’s 2-0 win at Betis in November.
Shorthanded Sevilla
Just needing to avoid losing by two goals to advance to the Europa League Round of 16, Sevilla lost 1-0 to Dinamo Zagreb on Thursday and snuck through on aggregate 3-2. Coincidentally, it was Sevilla’s first loss in all competitions since falling to Betis last month.
Los Nervionenses are undefeated in their last 11 league fixtures and are mounting a title challenge. Sevilla are in second place in La Liga, six points behind leaders Real Madrid. Sevilla had an excellent opportunity to gain some ground at Espanyol last weekend but could only manage a 1-1 draw. Center back Jules Kounde picked up a red card and will miss the match with Betis due to suspension.
Winger Lucas Ocampos is also suspended for the match, while Erik Lamela, Suso, Anthony Martial and Karim Rekik are all injured. It’s an inopportune time for Sevilla to be shorthanded, needing all three points to remain competitive with Real Madrid.
Julen Lopetegui will have to get creative with his lineup as Diego Carlos is the only traditional center back available. Expect to see Youssef En-Nesyri somewhere on the front line with Ocampos out.
Sevilla have been one of the better recent soccer picks in La Liga but, with so many absences, they’ll be up against it on Sunday.
Real Betis: La Liga’s Hottest Team
Real Betis survived their Europa League tie with Zenit St. Petersburg and advanced 3-2 on aggregate. The second leg finished in a scoreless draw, but there were some nervy moments at the end for Betis as Zenit had a goal called back by VAR.
Betis joined Barcelona and Sevilla as La Liga teams to book a place in the Round of 16. Only Real Sociedad was bounced out in the first knockout round. Betis have overachieved in La Liga as well, sitting in third place with 13 games remaining. They’ve won four of their last five league matches, including a 2-1 win over Mallorca last Sunday.
Willian Jose’s penalty sealed the game, which meant that Betis picked up more points than any other La Liga club over the last five matches. They’ve been a good pick to bet online all season and will hope to continue their hot streak vs injury-laden Sevilla.
Of players who have logged significant minutes this season, only right back Martin Montoya appears to be out for Sunday’s match. Manuel Pellegrini’s team is relatively healthy and will pose a danger to Sevilla’s shorthanded defense.
Sevilla vs Real Betis Prediction
Real Betis are a very dangerous team with attacking talents like Nabil Fekir, Juanmi and Borja Iglesias. The problem is Betis have beaten up on lesser competition in La Liga but have struggled against big clubs. They have, however, avoided defeat in 11 of their last 12 matches in all competitions.
Sevilla are also undefeated in 12 matches at home, and as much as their absences will hurt them, they’ll be up for this derby match. A draw has the best value in the sportsbook at +220 and it’s my pick of the match.
