Rock-bottom Real Betis go into El Derbi Sevillano looking to record a victory that would keep their survival hopes alive, whilst Sevilla aim to pour more misery on their bitter rivals and improve their top 4 chances by winning at Estadio Benito Villamarin.

This has been a nightmare season for los Verdiblancos, who probably couldn’t even dream that they would be fighting for their lives in La Liga.

However, Real Betis were unable to arrest the latest downtrend and they are almost certain to get relegated to Segunda.

After enjoying an away win over Levante, los Verdiblancos suffered a costly home defeat to Malaga before giving a very good account of themselves in the 3-1 loss at Camp Nou.

They now sit ten points behind safety, but with a game in hand on Valladolid and Osasuna, meaning that a triumph over arch rivals Sevilla could help keep their survival hopes alive.

But, even the odds of 3.50 (5/2) offered on home win do not look too tempting given their opponents’ impressive displays of late.

Nosa Igiebor has recovered from a bout of flu, but Lolo Reyes is banned and Salva Sevilla, Damien Perquis, Didac Vila, Jose Caro, Xavi Torres, Nacho and Chuli are out injured.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Adan – Juanfran, Amaya, Figueras, Juan Carlos – N’Diaye, Nono – Vadillo, Baptistao, Castro – Molina.

Sevilla have been playing above all expectations this season and it remains to be seen how far they can go this term.

Los Rojiblancos have impressed in their European campaign, having reached the Europa League semi-finals, where they will be vying Valencia for a place in the final.

Sevilla produced a stunning performance to overcome a one-goal deficit against Porto and win the return leg 4-1, and that display should keep them in good stead for the Betis game.

The excellent run of results saw Unai Emery’s side emerge as serious candidates for the final Champions League berth, but seeing as how they still trail Athletic Club six points, a win at Estadio Benito Villamarin is a must.

And with their bitter rivals in extremely difficult situation, it is hardly surprising Sevilla have been made 2.25 (5/4) favourites to claim maximum points.

There are no fresh injury worries for Unai Emery, although the boss is expected to make several changes to the side that hammered Porto in midweek.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Beto – Coke, Pareja, Fazio, Moreno – Iborra, M’Bia – Marin, Rakitic, Gameiro – Bacca.