It’s been a while since the clash between Sevilla and Betis held so much significance to the people outside the city of Seville and the picturesque region of Andalucia. This time, both clubs are chasing qualification for the Champions League, making the game truly monumental, or as they call it over there – grand. It’s El Gran Derbi day!Seville is a divided city. Generally, Sevilla enjoys the support of upper-class people while Betis is a team adored by the working class. Unlike El Clasico, there aren’t many fans outside the city. The passion is concentrated in a small area with around 700,000 people divided between Sevilla and Betis. The rivalry is the most passionate in the country, and it is there from the start, the two teams intertwined, forever face to face.There really is only one *Game Of The Day* today in Europe. 🇪🇸“El Gran Derbi” from the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan at 1515 GMT. Sevilla in 2nd Take on their Cross City rivals Real Betis in 3rd.To describe this game as “heated” would be the understatement of the century. pic.twitter.com/KbBpEkuJDz— Euro Football Daily (@EuroFootyDaily) February 27, 2022 The red and whites host the green and whites at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan with Sevilla facing personnel problems at the back. Two important defenders Jules Kounde and Karim Rekik will be absent for the home side due to a suspension and an injury, respectively. Gonzalo Montiel and Diego Carlos are doubtful after failing to complete 90 minutes in the Europa League on Thursday. Coach Julen Lopetegui will have a lot to think about.Sevilla have been excellent at home this season – the best in the league, in fact. They’ve got nine wins and three defeats in the 12 home matches and will try to build on that record.Lopetegui’s counterpart Manuel Pellegrini, who has transformed Real Betis since taking over at Estadio Benito Villamarin, will also have selection headaches. His top scorer Juanmi will have to sit out the game after picking up his fifth booking of the season last weekend.After previously finishing as a La Liga runner-up with Villarreal and with Real Madrid, as well as leading Malaga to a historic fourth-placed finish, the former Manchester City and West Ham coach is trying to take Betis back to the Champions League for the first time since 2005. LA LIGA – ROUND 26FridayLevante – Elche 3-0 (1-0)/Morales 37, De Frutos 67, Melero 90/SaturdayMallorca – Valencia 0-1 (0-1)/Gabriel 4/Getafe – Alaves 2-2 (0-1)/Unal 55, 72 – Escalante 45+1, Mendez 56/Rayo Vallecano – Real Madrid 0-1 (0-0)/Benzema 83/Atletico Madrid – Celta 2-0 (1-0)/Lodi 36, 60/Sunday16:00: (1.53) Villareal (4.10) Espanyol (6.50)18:15: (2.35) Sevilla (3.20) Betis (3.45)20:30: (1.85) Sociedad (3.40) Osasuna (4.60)23:00: (1.62) Barcelona (3.90) Ath.Bilbao (6.50)Monday23:00: (2.05) Granada (3.40) Cadiz (4.10)***odds are subject to change
