Discipline is always a major talking point in El Gran Derbi, and this encounter should be no different. Betis are the league’s most fouled team and fouls are prevalent, cards inevitably follow. Real Betis has seen their opponents pick up an average of three cards at the Benito Vallamarín with seven of their last ten opponents picking up at least two cards.

While Sevilla’s disciplinary record away from home suggests they will pick up multiple bookings, averaging 2.21 cards per game on their travels their record in recent derbies reinforces exceeding this trend, with their last six meetings against Betis producing card counts of 6, 5, 1, 2, 5 and 6. Expect tensions to boil over once again.

Real Betis average 5.57 shots on target per league game on home soil, and they have reached at least four in all but three of their home matches this season. Sevilla’s defensive vulnerabilities away from home are well documented, conceding an average of 4.71 shots on target per game, with ten of their fourteen opponents reaching this mark. With Betis in fine attacking form, another high shot count with particular accuracy is expected.

Saúl Ñíguez remains Sevilla’s most cynical player, averaging 2.7 fouls per 90 minutes, and his aggressive tendencies will be put to the test in this heated derby. He has committed at least two fouls in each of his last eight matches, and with Betis’ starting midfielders drawing a staggering 28 fouls across their last six games, another tough night awaits the experienced Spaniard.

Isco may be Betis’ creative heartbeat, but he is no stranger to committing fouls himself. The playmaker averages 1.52 fouls per 90, ranking third in this Betis squad for fouls committed, and has exceeded this mark in five of his last six appearances.

Against his former club, emotions could run high, further increasing the likelihood of him adding to his foul tally. Notably, in both of his appearances against Sevilla as a Betis player, he has committed at least one foul.

Corners should favour the hosts. Betis average 5.25 per match, a figure that rises to 5.93 when playing at home in league action. They have cleared the four-corner mark in nine of their last thirteen league matches at the Benito Villamarín.

Sevilla’s vulnerability in this department is evident, conceding an average of 5.36 corners per away game, with five of their last seven opponents registering six or more. Given Betis’ attacking approach, another high-corner count is likely.

Isco’s resurgence this season has been nothing short of sensational. Since returning from injury late last year, he has been the focal point of Betis’ attack, averaging 2.22 shots per game and directly contributing to nine goals (6G, 3A) in his last seven appearances.

His season tally now stands at 14 goal contributions (9G, 5A), and he found the net in this fixture last season. With his current form, another decisive moment on derby day is well within reach.

Sergi Altimira’s aggressive defensive style and high-intensity pressing make him a prime candidate for fouls in this fixture. While his season-long average sits at 1.36 per 90, he has stepped up his physicality in recent weeks, committing two fouls in each of his last five starts and in six of his last seven.

The added edge of a derby should only increase his involvement in combative situations, making two or more fouls a highly likely outcome.