FC BARCELONA VS SEVILLA
Date: 22 November, 2014
Time: 20:00 CET
Venue: Estadio Camp Nou
Refree: Carlos Clos Gomes
After a disappointing El-Clasico defeat, Barca stumbled upon a shock 1-0 reverse at home to Celta Vigo earlier this month, although the Blaugrana managed to get the hiccup out of their system ahead of the international break courtesy of a scrappy 2-1 winat Almeria.
The next obstacle for Luis Enrique’s charges is the visit of Seville this weekend who, despite failing to win in their previous two games, are currently fifth in the primeira division and aiming to secure Champions League spot.
Record man, Lionel Messi, who is set to break Telmo Zarra’s all-time liga strikes, is likely to start this weekend against Sevilla with the front-three trio completed by fellow deadly South Americans Neymar and goal-hungry Luis Suarez, who has put up wonderful displays ever since joining the Catalans but yet to open his goal account.
If Sevilla are to take anything away from the game then they will need to improve on their poor recent run of form away from the Sanchez Pizjuan at Barcelona famous Camp Nou, which has seen them claim just one point from the last 30 on offer.
In Statistics, Barca have won their last five encounters against the Robjiblancos both home and away, meaning that Unai Emery’s side come the game as big underdogs.
Sevilla Top scorer Carlos Bacca is likely to lead the line for Sevilla with in form Grzegorz Krychowiak fielded in midfield, while Ivan Rakitic will line up against his former team.
Barca youngsters Gerrard Deloufeu and Denis Suarez who are on loan at Sevilla, will return to Camp Nou, at least for just a day in a bid to hurt their real owners.
Luis Enrique will be hoping Andres Iniesta, Jeremy Mathieu (both calf) and Rafinha Alcantara (thigh) are passed fit. Sergi Roberto is available to return after recovering from a groin problem.
Fifth-placed Sevilla, who will move above Barca in the table with a win, will assess Benoit Tremoulinas (toe) and Vicente Iborra (muscular injury), while Stephane Mbia is available to return from suspension.
EDITOR’S PREDICTION
Barcelona 3-1 Sevilla
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