Preview: Betis-Eibar

Real Betis boss Victor Sanchez insists his position is not under threat as he prepares to lead out his misfiring team against Europe-chasing Eibar.

Four defeats in five games have left Betis in freefall as they lie just two places above La Liga’s relegation zone, but while Victor “understands” the calls for his head, he remains “confident” that the club are backing him.

“Do I feel my job is under threat? No,” he affirmed at a Press conference for Sunday’s match at Benito Villamarin.

“I understand why you [reporters] are asking me, given recent results haven’t been good, but it’s all linked to what’s been happening in the last few weeks and you’ve been asking me this question for a while.

“I’ll answer it in terms of the work we’ve been doing carefully from within the club, so no, I don’t have that feeling.

“We Coaches obviously know the situation and that we’re all exposed to it, but I feel the club’s confidence.”

Betis’ problems contrast greatly to the feel-good factor currently sweeping Eibar, who will move level with sixth-placed Basque rivals Athletic Club if they pick up a fourth straight win this weekend.

“I think obligations are always a good thing, but in excess they’re not because they make it difficult for you to play well,” warned Coach Jose Luis Mendilibar.

“Not having any obligations is dangerous because you can let go of yourself.  I think we’re equal to our rivals, so we must have the same obligations as them.”

Real Betis (probable): Adan; Pezzella, Tosca, Mandi; Rafa Navarro, Ceballos, Brasanac, Pardo, Durmisi; Ruben Castro, Sanabria

Injuries/suspensions: Piccini (I)

Eibar (probable): Yoel; Capa, Lejeune, Ramis, Luna; Pedro Leon, Escalante, Dani Garcia, Bebe; Kike, Enrich

Injuries/suspensions: Arbilla, Fran Rico, Nano, Pena (all injured)

Referee: Mateu Lahoz

Form guide: Betis (L L L W L) Eibar (L W L D L)

Previous meeting: Eibar 3-1 Betis                             

Kick-off time: 17:30 BST/18:30 CET

La Liga - Club News