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
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.
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
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
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.
