La Liga will make its eagerly-anticipated return to action after a three-month hiatus on Thursday evening as Sevilla prepare to lock horns with local rivals Real Betis at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium.
The two sides are separated by 14 points in the table, with Sevilla sitting third while Betis find themselves in 12th ahead of El Gran Derbi.
Match preview
© Reuters
Spain has been one of the hardest-hit countries during the outbreak of COVID-19, but fans across the globe can now look forward to the return of one of Europe's most exciting leagues.
The Seville derby is a fitting way to welcome back the Spanish top flight, and Sevilla will feel confident of picking up all three points following a strong campaign before the enforced shutdown.
Indeed, Julen Lopetegui's side are on course for Champions League qualification with 47 points to show from 27 matches - a total of 13 wins, eight draws and six losses thus far.
Sevilla's most recent game before the postponement saw them share the spoils with Atletico Madrid in a 2-2 draw, and Lopetegui's side picked up wins over Getafe and Osasuna before play was halted.
Furthermore, Los Palanganas have not failed to hit the back of the net since their 4-0 loss to Barcelona early in October - a remarkable scoring streak of 19 La Liga matches.
Lopetegui will be keeping a close eye on the teams below his side in the table, however, as Real Sociedad and Getafe sit just one point behind Sevilla and will be ready to pounce on any slip-ups as the race for European football gathers pace.
© Reuters
In contrast, Betis have suffered mixed fortunes during the 2019-20 campaign, and Rubi's side realistically have little to play for at this stage of the season.
Having amassed a total of 33 points thus far, Betis are eight clear of the relegation zone and 12 off a spot in the Europa League, so the final 11 games of the season will likely be nothing more than a period of mid-table consolidation for Rubi's men.
Los Verdiblancos enjoyed a historic 2-1 victory over Real Madrid before play was brought to a halt, but Betis had suffered a six-game winless run in Spain's top flight before that memorable win.
Rubi will no doubt be concerned by his side's away form heading into the derby; Betis have only triumphed once on their travels all season - a 2-1 victory over relegation candidates Mallorca in November.
Los Verdiblancos can temporarily leapfrog Osasuna into 11th before their clash with Sociedad on Sunday, but Rubi's side have lost their two most recent clashes with Sevilla - including a 2-1 defeat in front of their own fans earlier in the season.
Sevilla La Liga form: DLDWWD
Sevilla form (all competitions): DDWDWD
Real Betis La Liga form: DLDDLW
Team News
© Reuters
Sevilla will be without Nemanja Gudelj after the midfielder picked up his fifth booking of the season against Atletico last time out.
Suso has also been carrying a slight knock but should be available for the midweek clash, with Liverpool and Arsenal-linked Diego Carlos set to partner Jules Kounde in defence.
Lucas Ocampos will be aiming to hit the back of the net for the fifth La Liga game running and will likely be part of a front three with Suso and Luuk de Jong.
With regards to Betis, the match may come too soon for William Carvalho, Juanmi and Diego Lainez - all of whom have struggled with injuries.
Former Everton goalkeeper Joel Robles, who tested positive for coronavirus last month, has recovered and should feature in between the sticks.
Should Rubi opt for a lone striker, Borja Iglesias and Loren Moron will battle it out for a spot in the starting lineup.
Sevilla possible starting lineup:
Vaclik; Navas, Kounde, Carlos, Reguilon; Jordan, Fernando, Banega; Suso, De Jong, Ocampos
Real Betis possible starting lineup:
Robles; Emerson, Mandi, Bartra, Moreno; Rodriguez; Fekir, Guardado, Canales, Joaquin; Moron
We say: Sevilla 3-0 Real Betis
A mouthwatering derby between the two Seville clubs is the perfect way to restart the La Liga campaign, but we only see one clear winner for this clash. Sevilla are looking good for a return to the Champions League and Betis have struggled on the road, so we are going for a comfortable home victory.
