Real Betis vs Real Sociedad preview - Betis and Sociedad braced for crucial clash

Real Betis midfielder Salva Sevilla has dismissed suggestions this weekend's clash with fellow strugglers Real Sociedad is akin to a cup final in terms of importance, but admits it is probably their biggest match of the season to date.

After earning promotion as Segunda Division champions last term, Betis enjoyed a flying start to the current campaign with successive victories in their first four games.

However, since then Betis have picked up just one point from a possible 24 to tumble from top spot down to 13th in the standings, four points above 19th-placed Sociedad and the relegation zone.

Sevilla said of Sunday's clash: "We cannot talk about the match against Real Sociedad being a final because there are a lot of games left, but I do think it's the most important game we've had until now."

Not only have Betis lost seven of their last eight matches but they have also managed to find the back of the net just once during that period - with that solitary goal against Real Madrid coming 471 minutes ago.

Nevertheless, Sevilla, who has netted two of his side's 10 goals this season, is confident his side can end that miserable run and pick up a victory tomorrow, although he is not expecting it to be easy.

"With the help of the fans I'm sure we can win it," he said.

"Sociedad will make it complicated. It will be difficult because they are also in need of points. We have to take the initiative and not think about our opponents because the important thing is what we do."

Sociedad ended a run of three successive defeats with a goalless draw against Espanyol last time out, but with only two wins and nine points to their credit this season the pressure has been steadily building on new coach Philippe Montanier, with talk in Spain suggesting a defeat this weekend could spell the end of his tenure.

However, the players remain behind the Frenchman, who took charge this summer, with midfielder Mikel Aranburu saying: "We have not lost confidence in the coach.

"What we have to do now is for each of us to look at what we are doing wrong and try to improve so as to contribute more to the team. It is in our hands to turn this situation around."

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