Sevilla go into the derby clash in better spirits than their local rivals, having defeated Espanyol away just before the international break, whereas Real Betis are hoping to finally escape the bottom of the standings with three points from Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.

Los Rojiblancos were always going to face problems this season after seeing a number of key footballers leave the club over the summer, although they did manage to sign some decent replacements.

And while Unai Emery’s side have been unable to match the best sides in the league, they have done pretty well in other matches, with home defeat to Celta Vigo the only major setback so far.

While climbing to the first position in their Europa League group, los Rojiblancos did well to make amends for the aforementioned loss to Sky Blues, having defeated Espanyol away in their previous league match.

Given that Unai Emery’s side now have a significant psychological advantage over their local rivals, there may be value in odds of 1.75 (3/4) offered on home win.

Star midfielders Ivan Rakitic and Stephane M’Bia have been passed fit for the derby clash, but Denis Cheryshev and Marko Marin are not yet ready to return. Piotr Trochowski, Nico Pareja and Cicinho are also out of contention due to injury.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Beto – Figueiras, Fazio, Navarro, Moreno – Carrico, M’Bia – Samperio, Rakitic, Vitolo – Bacca.

Real Betis had been predicted a difficult season given their European exploits, but nobody could suppose los Verdiblancos will be sitting at La Liga rock bottom after 13 rounds.

It is perfectly clear that the team are finding it hard to cope with the busy schedule, although their Europa League campaign is going even better than planned.

It is on domestic stage that Pepe Mel’s side are struggling big time, having picked up just one point from last six matches.

With Los Verdiblancos sitting at rock bottom and three points adrift of safety, they will have to start winning soon or else they would not be able to avoid a the relegation tussle.

Even if this is a long shot, you can do much worse than backing Real Betis to win at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, at odds of 5.00 (4/1).

Ruben Castro and Jorge Molina are major doubts, but Lolo Reyes, Salva Sevilla, Xavi Torres and Chuli are back in contention. Nacho and Juanfran are also doubtful.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Sara – Steinhofer, Amaya, Paulao, Matilla – Torres, Sevilla – Vazquez, Verdu, Carlos – Chuli.