Sevilla will look to continue their winning run against Barcelona in La Liga this Sunday. An upset here won’t be a big surprise for the La Liga Champions after their dismal performance against Manchester City in the midweek where they went down 3-1 despite taking the lead.
After a positive start to the season, Sevilla are just one point behind Barcelona, who are second in the league table. Sevilla have won 19 of their last 22 home matches in La Liga. Barcelona, however, have won 7 of their last 8 away matches in League and won 5 of their last 6 matches against Sevilla. In fact, Barcelona are undefeated in 16 of their last 17 matches against Sevilla in all competitions.
Team news
Sevilla- There are not many injuries in Sevilla squad but the absence of Samir Nasri will be a major blow for the home side. The loanee from Manchester City was subbed off during Sevilla’s 1-1 draw with Sporting Gijon owing to a hamstring injury which might be a long-term concern. Apart from Nasri, Benoit Tremoulinas and Michael Krohn-Dehli are Jorge Sampaoli‘s only other injury absentees.
Barcelona- The Blaugrana are having a couple of first team players missing. Pique and Iniesta are the injury worries for Luis Enrique‘s side. Jordi Alba is also a doubt and is expected to return after a late fitness test.
Team Lineups
Sevilla (3-4-1-2): Rico; Carrico, Rami, Mercado; Mariano, Kranevitter, N’Zonzi, Vitolo; Vazquez; Yedder, Vietto
Barcelona (4-3-3): Ter Stegen; Roberto, Mascherano, Umtiti, Alba; Busquets, Rakitic, Rafinha; Messi, Suarez, Neymar-
Key Players
Sevilla- Luciano Vietto has been Sevilla’s top scorer this season with 4 goals and 2 assists. Although the Rojiblancos will be without the services of Samir Nasri who has bagged 2 goals and 1 assists in 7 appearances, they have the likes of Pablo Sarabia, Wissam Ben Yedder and Franco Vazquez, who can cause enough problems in the Barcelona half who are having a poor defensive display at the moment.
Barcelona- Barca’s key players will always be the front trio if they are fit to start. They can get a goal out of nowhere and though the Messi, Neymar, Suarez pack is a bit quiet at the moment, Sevilla would be more than aware not to give any space to them.
Apart from them, Rafinha has been in a sublime form and has really taken the midfield role in the absence of Iniesta. He is expected to continue his scoring form against Sevilla too.
Odds
Sevilla @ 5/4
Draw @ 5/4
Barcelona @ 8/ 13
