What: Spanish La Liga
Who: Sevilla vs Barcelona
When: Saturday 29th September, 2012, at 21:00 UK time
Where: Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, Seville, Spain
Much More
On the back of two important wins against Real Madrid and Deportivo La Coruna, Sevilla prepare to face their biggest threat of the league season as they welcome leaders Barcelona to the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.
With their opponents having collected 15 points out of a possible 15 so far this season, Sevilla will need to play a perfect game should they want to have any chance of upsetting Barcelona on the night.
A win on Monday evening against Deportivo was Sevilla’s first three points on the road this season, but a good result against the Blaugrana will give them that boost of energy in order to carry on their campaign on a good note. However, right-back Cicinho knows that a lot will be demanded from his side should they want to claim all of the encounter’s spoils.
“It’s a tough game, as against Real Madrid. We know we have to do even more to take the victory. Barcelona are the leaders, are a great team and we have to give even more to take the win”, said the ex-Sao Paulo man.
Consolidating The Lead
When Barcelona take on Sevilla here, they will be hoping that their eight-point lead over foes Real Madrid stays intact – or gets even bigger – for when they finally meet for the first La Liga Clasico next week. However, Tito Vilanova’s side must first battle it out with a fiery Sevilla team that will be looking to be the first side to force Los Cules to drop points this season.
Asked about the prospect of facing Real Madrid with a substantial advantage, left-back Jordi Alba opted to concentrate on the upcoming game against Sevilla, determined to not look too far ahead.
“We have an eight-point advantage, it’s important because they are a direct rival, but we have to focus on Sevilla”, stressed the Spain defender, singling out winger Jesus Navas, the man he might be forced to keep at bay on the night. “He’s a great player, he’s incredibly fast and he creates danger every match he plays in. It doesn’t matter who gets the start, we’ll try to stop him.”
Barcelona however might do without some of their most influential players, as Andres Iniesta and Gerard Pique will sit this one out, in the hope of making the Clasico next week.
Recent form
Sevilla:
Rayo Vallecano 0-0 Sevilla (02/09; La Liga)
Sevilla 1-0 Real Madrid (15/09; La Liga)
Deportivo La Coruna 0-2 Sevilla (24/09; La Liga)
Barcelona:
Getafe 1-4 Barcelona (15/09; La Liga)
Barcelona 3-2 Spartak Moscow (19/09; Champions League)
Barcelona 2-0 Granada (22/09; La Liga)
Key absences
Sevilla: Jose Antonio Reyes (doubt); Diego Perotti (doubt)
Barcelona: Gerard Pique; Carles Puyol; Andres Iniesta; Isaac Cuenca; Eric Abidal
Players to watch
Sevilla – Alvaro Negredo: The striker grabbed one of his side’s two goals against Deportivo, but must play at an even higher level to do the same damage to Barcelona. Negredo could also do former club Real Madrid a favour here.
Barcelona – Xavi: The midfield general scored a wonderful goal against Granada last weekend, helping the Blaugrana secure a late, late victory. As talks have surfaced over a new contract, there is no doubt that Barcelona want him around for many years to come.
Match Prediction
Sevilla look to be in fine form at present, but Barcelona are La Liga leaders for a reason. The trip to Andalucia is usually tricky for the Catalans, which means they should not take the win for granted. Barcelona have been on a solid run recently however and should return with three important points. Sevilla 1-2 Barcelona.
Where should your money go in Sevilla v Barcelona? Read our betting preview at Inside Bet.
