Got up early today buzzing about the big derby later. Wanted to predict Betis’ lineup properly ’cause I lost a bet to Paco last week when my guess totally bombed. Figured I’d actually do this step-by-step instead of winging it like last time.
Step 1: Checking player status
First grabbed my coffee and opened my football apps. Scrolled through injury reports – boom, saw Fekir’s still out. That sucks. Then checked suspensions: Guido Rodriguez got that red card last match so he’s benched. Wrote down all the unavailable players on my sticky note:
- Fekir (knee)
- Rodriguez (red card)
- Sabaly (hamstring)
Step 2: Reviewing last match tactics
Pulled up Betis vs Cadiz replay. Noticed Pellegrini kept switching between 4-2-3-1 and 5-3-2 formations. Spent 20 minutes sketching their movements on my notepad. Clear pattern: when Miranda plays wing-back, they get more crosses in. But Ruiz looked gassed after 60 minutes last game – doubt he starts today.
Called my buddy Antonio who works near training grounds. He said he saw Isco taking tons of free kicks yesterday morning. Good hint – means he’s probably starting today despite being subbed off last match.
Step 3: Building the lineup
Spread all my notes on the kitchen table. Started slotting players like puzzle pieces:
Goalkeeper easy – Silva always plays unless injured. Defense was tricky without Sabaly. Remembered Pellegrini used Bellerin as right center-back against Atleti. Took risk putting him there with Pezzella.
Midfield headache without Rodriguez. Saw Roca trained full sessions all week – he’s gotta fill that gap. Stuck Cardoso beside him for muscle.
Attack? Isco behind Ayoze makes sense. Left wing’s between Rodri and Juanmi. Went with Rodri ’cause his speed wrecks Sevilla’s slow defenders.
Final predicted lineup
After three coffee refills and scratching out six wrong versions, landed on this:
- GK: Silvi
- Defense: Bellerín, Pezzella, Sokratís, Abner
- Midfield: Roca, Cardoso
- Attack: Rodri, Isco, Diao
- ST: Ayoze
Gotta admit this prediction feels way better than last week’s disaster. Still nervous about Cardoso in defensive mid – dude’s error-prone. If Pellegrini surprises us with old man Guardado instead I’ll look like an idiot again. Meeting Paco at the bar in two hours to watch the match. Better be right this time or I’m buying all his damn beers.
