Why Is Antony Not Playing In Sevilla vs Real Betis Tonight?

Real Betis are looking to remain on the coattails of LaLiga's top-four with a win over Sevilla on Sunday as the city rivals face-off in the latest installment of the El Gran Derbi. With 21 points from 13 games, Los Verdiblancos are in fifth position of the top-flight standings, having lost only twice in their campaign so far. However, it's also worth noting that Manuel Pellegrini's side have won just once from their last five league games as their form appears to have fizzled out lately following a fast start.

They now come up against their more decorated neighbors, who, although are on a rough patch too, losing four of their last five La Liga matches to languish in 10th place of the league table. But the Sevillistas have beaten Betis on seven of their last 14 fixtures, while the latter also face a big dilemma before their visit to the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan: is Antony playing today in Sevilla vs Real Betis?

Is Antony playing today?

One of the key reasons behind Real Betis ranking so high up in the league right now is Antony, who has emerged as their key attacker once again this season. In nine LaLiga appearances so far, the Brazilian has netted four goals, the most in their squad behind only Cucho Hernandez. But disaster struck the former Manchester United hitman last weekend.

During a tense game against Girona, Antony was shown a straight red for kicking an opponent in the face while attempting a bicycle kick. He was initially shown a yellow by the referee before he upgraded it to a red following a VAR review. Betis filed an appeal against the call as it was inadvertent, but the Disciplinary Committee upheld it and the player was handed a one-match ban. That means he will have to sit out of the Sevilla encounter tonight.

Sevilla vs Real Betis Lineups

Here are Sevilla Vs Real Betis Lineup announcement earlier today

Sevilla lineup vs Real Betis:

O. Vlachodimos, J. Sánchez, C. Azpilicueta, Marcao, J. Carmona, D. Sow, B. Mendy, C. Ejuke, G. Fernández, Alfon, A. Adams

Real Betis lineup vs Sevilla:

Á. Valles, V. Gómez, Natan, M. Bartra, A. Ruibal, M. Roca, N. Deossa, A. Ezzalzouli, P. Fornals, P. García, J. Hernández