Real Madrid forget PSG and look for revenge against Betis

After a magical Champions League night, a victory against PSG which revived a positive feeling that hasn't been felt by Madrid fans since August, Real Madrid return to the reality of their disappointing league performance on Sunday when they travel to Sevilla to face Real Betis. 

Inconsistency has plagued Zinedine Zidane's side in La Liga. After breaking a league record for the most consecutive home wins on the 14th October, they have only won one of their six away games since. Their defeat against Girona (2-1) on the 29th of October was a warning sign, and they went on to draw 0-0 with Atletico Madrid, Athletic Club and 2-2 with Celta Vigo and Levante. The only positive moment came at the Mestalla (1-4). 

The fatigue caused by the intensity of the PSG game, added to Toni Kroos' knee sprain, will mean Zidane will field changes, rotating his squad and rewarding those in good form. Cristiano Ronaldo, who is in one of his best periods of form this season, having scored nine in his last five, will head the attack, flanked by second string players Marco Asensio and Lucas Vazquez.

On the other side of the coin, there is the issue of Karim Benzema. His place in the starting XI has started to become indefensible for Zidane, who will have to weigh up whether Benzema's past form at the Villamarín Stadium (3 goals in his last 3 games) outweighs his current poor form when deciding if the Frenchman starts.  

Gareth Bale's return to the starting lineup is almost certain, after he didn't get the call up against PSG. Dani Carvajal is also expected to return at right-back, after missing the Champions League game through suspension. 

The opposition will go into the game with hope, looking to continue what has been good season, despite its ups and downs. In the return fixture, Betis shocked Madrid with a 1-0 win at the Bernabeu, Tommy Sanabria's goal giving them an unexpected three points. 

Quique Setién's side will look to put in a resilient performance against 'Los Blancos', as they continue to fight for a Europa League qualification spot, which is only four points above them at this moment in time.  

Setién is expected to stick with his new three man defence, with Antonio Barragan expected to return to the side after completing his suspencion. 

Possible lineups: 

Real Betis: Adán; Mandi, Bartra, Amat; Francis, Guardado, Fabián, Durmisi; Joaquín, Loren, Tello.

Real Madrid: Keylor Navas; Carvajal, Varane, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo; Casemiro, Modric, Lucas Vázquez, Marco Asensio; Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Referee: Jesús Gil Manzano.

Stadium: Estadio Benito Villamarín.