Sevilla vs Real Betis preview - Betis eye derby spoils

Posted Saturday, November 23, 2013 by PA

Real Betis coach Pepe Mel is hoping the derby match with Sevilla can give his struggling side the kickstart they need as they look to move off the foot of the Primera Division table.

Mel's side are rock bottom with just nine points from their opening 13 matches, and while Mel knows there are only three points on offer this weekend, the emotional lift a derby brings might be just what his side needs.

"For the league, it's the same as any other game," he said. "Winning a derby doesn't give you any more points. For the coach and the players, of course, it's not like that. With regards to the points, it's three if you win. For everything else, it is strengthened a thousand times.

"This is game that the fans want to win and so you are obliged not to disappoint."

Disappointment would be a mild word for what Betis suffered when they last visited the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, thrashed 5-1 there last season.

Mel believes his players' memories of that day will ensure there is no repeat.

"Those in the squad who were here then know about the reaction of the fans, and everything that followed," he said. "They have had to continue with that stigma. To the others, such talk of irrelevant. But we have watched the previous games and seen what we need to correct."

Mel's woes have been furthered by fresh injuries to Ruben Castro and Jorge Molina, with the latter ruled out and Castro doubtful to take part.

Sevilla have not had the start to the season they were hoping for, but their mid-table berth at least gives them a much healthier outlook than their neighbours.

However, Unai Emery knows the form book is meaningless on derby day,

"We know how big this game is - the fans remind us on the street.," he said. "But we need to be cautious, respectful and make sure we work to play our best game.

"We must forget about the standings and recognise it will be a very difficult game against a Betis side full of emotion."