MX23RW : Thursday, March 28 17:46:46| >> :600:1047356:1047356:
[monks data]
Copa del Rey | Third Round
Jan 17, 2021 at 3pm UK
Estadio Municipal El Molinón
Real Betis logo

Sporting Gijon
0 - 2
Real Betis


Durdevic (31'), Lopez (36')
Valiente (21')
FT(HT: 0-2)
Canales (28' pen.), Rodri (31')
Rodri (53')

Preview: Sporting Gijon vs. Real Betis - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole previews Sunday's Copa del Rey clash between Sporting Gijon and Real Betis, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Real Betis face a tough test this Sunday when they travel to Asturias for their Copa del Rey clash against Segunda Division promotion hopefuls Sporting Gijon.

Manuel Pellegrini has never won the cup with any of the sides he has managed during his numerous La Liga appointments and may see this year as the perfect opportunity to do so.


Match preview

Real Betis head coach Manuel Pellegrini pictured on November 7, 2020© Reuters

Regardless of whether the Copa del Rey ranks highly in Pellegrini's idea of success, Sporting Gijon will certainly give Betis a run for their money on Sunday.

David Gallego's Sporting are unbeaten in four league games coming into this side and will definitely look to cause an upset against a Betis side that has struggled at times this season.

However, Gallego's cup run so far has not exactly been a walk in the park. Against lowly Quintanar in the first round, Sporting were forced to come from behind to get the better of their hosts.

In the second round, Sporting left it late against Amorebieta, winning the game 1-0 thanks to a 74th-minute strike from Cristian Salvador.

Atletico Madrid's Kieran Trippier in action with Real Betis' Cristian Tello in La Liga on October 24, 2020© Reuters

Betis, on the other hand, have been relatively convincing in the cup so far this season, far more convincing than they have been in La Liga.

Against Mutilvera in the second round, Los Verdiblancos dispatched their hosts 3-1, with Juan Miranda, Emerson and Juanmi all getting on the scoresheet.

Not entirely unusual with Pellegrini sides, it might just be the case that Betis' cup run shines a positive light on what has been a lacklustre league campaign so far.

Still, against Sporting, Pellegrini faces a side that are setting the Segunda Division alight as they attempt to force their way back into the big time and he should be concerned with the form that Sporting will bring to this tie.

Sporting Gijon Copa del Rey form: WW
Sporting Gijon form (all competitions): WWDDWW

Real Betis Copa del Rey form: WW
Real Betis form (all competitions): LWLDWW


Team News

Real Betis players complain to the referee during their match against Sevilla on June 11, 2020© Reuters

A COVID-19 outbreak has wreaked havoc within the Sporting camp, leaving Gallego without several players in the run up to this clash.

Pedro Diaz, Pablo Perez, Manu Garcia, Jose Gragera, Pelayo Morilla, Guille Rosas and Diego Marino are all unlikely to feature due to COVID-19. Nacho Mendez is a doubt for this tie but could play a part.

Similarly, Betis are also without a number of key players due to COVID-19, with veteran Joaquin and Martin Montoya both unavailable.

Dani Martin, Marc Bartra and William Carvalho are also all out nursing injuries.

Sporting Gijon possible starting lineup:
Leal; Trabanco, Zalaya, Valiente, Saul; Cumic, Fuego, Jimenez, Carmona; Manzambi, Vazquez

Real Betis possible starting lineup:
Robles; Emerson, Mandi, Sidnei, Juan Miranda; Rodriguez, Akouokou, Lainez, Rodri, Juanmi; Iglesias


SM words green background

We say: Sporting Gijon 0-2 Real Betis

This could be an interesting clash between two sides that have been enjoying their cup outings so far. We think Pellegrini's men will be able to harness their La Liga credentials and comfortably see off Sporting though.


Top betting tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting over 1.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Over 1.5:data


ID:430642: cacheID:430642:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:8601:No Data Analysis info

Previews by email

Click here to get Sports Mole's daily email of previews and predictions for every major game!


Restore Data
Share this article now:
General view of Manchester City's Etihad Stadium taken September 2018
Read Next:
Man City 'eye move for Spanish starlet'
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!