Sevilla FC vs Real Betis
La Liga is set to restart the season with a bang as fierce rivals Sevilla and Real Betis collide in the Seville derby, also known as The Great Derby.
Sevilla, who are currently up in third place and are looking good for a Champions League place, are set to host Betis at an empty Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium.
But even with no fans present, this is still expected to be a fiery affair, with Betis hoping to defy the La Liga 2020 betting odds and deal a blow to their rivals’ Champions League dreams.
Talking Points
Sevilla’s top scorer looking doubtful to play
Sevilla have had a solid first season under manager Julen Lopetegui. They haven’t been nearly as flashy going forward as in past years. Instead, Lopetegui has instilled a solidity to Sevilla at the back. They’ve conceded just 29 goals in 27 games, the fifth-best defensive record in the league.
Although, that defensive solidity has been a bit wobbly in 2020. Since returning from the winter break, Sevilla have kept just two clean sheets. They’ve also conceded two goals four times in their last five matches, including their 2-2 draw against Atletico Madrid just before the suspension of play.
Thankfully, leading scorer Lucas Ocampos has been in fine form in 2020. The Argentine has scored five of his 10 league goals over his last six appearances and in each of his last four games. Sevilla went undefeated in those four matches, with two wins and two draws. Ocampos also found the net in Sevilla’s 2-1 win over Betis earlier this season.
However, Ocampos has missed training this week due to a muscle injury, and his status for the derby remains uncertain.
Ocampos’ absence would be a huge loss for Sevilla, who have greatly relied on his goals. Lopetegui will likely turn to Suso to start alongside Luuk de Jong and Nolito in case Ocampos does miss out.
Meanwhile, Lopetegui will have key midfielders Oliver Torres and Fernando back from suspension to make up for the suspended Nemanja Gudelj.
Betis eager to improve bad away form
Real Betis went into the break on quite a high as they knocked off title challengers Real Madrid at home, 2-1. Former Barcelona man Cristian Tello’s late ssaw Betis finally snap a poor run of six league matches without a win (three draws, three losses).
Despite their dip in form, Betis are still looking safe from relegation. They’re currently in 12th place, eight points clear of the drop with 11 games left.
Betis owe much of their success this season to Nabil Fekir. The Frenchman, who was once heavily linked with English champions-elect Liverpool, has been brilliant in his first season in La Liga, scoring seven goals with three assists.
Fekir continued his fine play during Betis’ recent struggles as he scored three goals and set up two more in his last five appearances. He also scored a goal against Barcelona before getting sent off.
However, even Fekir has been unable to do much about Betis’ poor defence, as well as their struggles away from home. They’ve already conceded 43 goals this season — third-most in the league — and have won just once in 13 away matches (six draws, six losses) with only 11 goals scored.
History
Sevilla hold a substantial edge over their rivals in recent meetings. In their last 47 meetings since 1995, Sevilla have won 21 to Betis’ 10, with 16 draws.
Sevilla have won back-to-back Seville derbies after Betis went a stretch of three matches unbeaten, with two wins over their rivals. But prior to that, Sevilla had gone unbeaten in eight derbies in a row, with six wins and two draws.
Betis’ last win at the Sanchez Pizjuan was a classic 5-3 back in 2018. Legendary Betis captain Joaquin had a fine game with two assists, while Cristian Tello came on to add an assist and a goal deep in stoppage time.
Betting Tip
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Sevilla FC vs Real Betis | 1X2 Draw @ 3.30 |
| June 12, 04:00 (GMT+8) |
SBOBET odds have Sevilla priced at 1.91 to mark their return with a home win, while Betis are 4.10 underdogs to play spoilers at the Sanchez Pizjuan. A draw is 3.30.
As with most derbies, this one is a tough call. But it’s made even tougher with the uncertainty surrounding the two sides coming back from the long break.
Sevilla are rightly still favourites, but despite losing just once in their last 11 at the Sanchez Pizjuan, their recent home form has not been all that impressive. They’ve won just two of their last six. Meanwhile, the potential absence of Ocampos will be a huge blow for a Sevilla side that is a bit short on goals.
With all of those factors in mind, I’m leaning ever so slightly toward the Seville derby ending in a draw.
| A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR () BETS ARE WORTH: |
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|---|---|---|---|
 = €20 (Highly confident) |
 = €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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