2019-20 Spanish Primera – Sevilla vs Barcelona Preview & Prediction

THE FACTS

When does Sevilla vs Barcelona kick off? Friday 19^th June, 2020 – 21:00 (UK)

Where is Sevilla vs Barcelona being played? Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán

Where can I get tickets for Sevilla vs Barcelona? No tickets are available as these matches are being played behind closed doors

What TV channel is Sevilla vs Barcelona on in the UK? This match will be televised live on LaLigaTV (Sky channel 435, Virgin channel 554) for those with a Premier Sport subscription

Where can I stream Sevilla vs Barcelona in the UK? Premier Sport subscribers in the UK can stream the match live via a Premier Player subscription

THE TEAM NEWS

SEVILLA

• Seville were frustrated to have dropped points at home to Levante on Monday night as they conceded an 87^th-minute equaliser and that has seen the likes of Atletico close the gap on them in the standings.
• Julen Lopetegui has rotated his midfield between matches but kept the core of his defence and attack the same, and he will bring back the likes of Fernando at the heart of midfield after he was rested on Monday with this game in mind.
• The boss has a fully-fit squad at his disposal for this game so there could easily be a few more rotations but given the quality of opponent, he is unlikely to risk fielding a weakened side.

Predicted line-up (4-3-3): Vaclik; Jesus Navas, Kounde, Diego Carlos, Reguilon; Joan Jordan, Fernando, Oliver Torres; Suso, De Jong, Ocampos

Unavailable:

Doubtful:

BARCELONA

• Barcelona have won their two matches since La Liga returned against Mallorca and Leganes with an aggregate scoreline of 6-0 but they will know this match presents them with their toughest challenge between now and the end of the season.
• Quique Setien has some concerns in central defence with Umtiti suspended for this game and Pique being an injury doubt so he will give the latter as long as possible to recover otherwise Ronald Araujo will partner Lenglet at the back.
• Setien welcomes Jordi Alba who should return at left-back after his own ban, while he may be tempted to throw Luis Suarez straight back into the side after making two substitute appearances following his return to fitness.

Predicted line-up (4-3-3): Ter Stegen; Nelson Semedo, Pique, Lenglet, Jordi Alba; Busquets, De Jong, Rakitic; Messi, Suarez, Griezmann

Unavailable: Dembele (Injured), Umtiti (Suspended)

Doubtful: Pique (Injured)

KEY STATS

• Sevilla are unbeaten in their last 8 matches in all competitions
• Sevilla have lost only 1 of their last 17 home matches in all competitions
• Sevilla have scored the first goal in each of their last 7 league matches
• Sevilla have not failed to score in their last 21 league matches
• Sevilla have scored at least 2 goals in 4 of their last 5 home league matches
• Lucas Ocampos has scored a goal in each of Sevilla’s last 4 home league matches
• Barcelona have won 7 of their last 8 league matches
• Barcelona have won 6 of their last 7 matches against Sevilla in all competitions
• Barcelona have won by a margin of at least 2 goals in 5 of their last 7 matches against Sevilla in all competitions
• Barcelona have won each of their last 3 league matches without conceding a goal
• Barcelona have scored at least 4 goals in 5 of their last 7 matches against Sevilla in all competitions
• Luis Suárez has scored in 8 of Barcelona’s last 11 matches against Sevilla in all competitions

THE PREDICTION

This will be a major test for Barcelona’s title credentials as they know they can ill-afford to drop any points right now with Real Madrid hot on their heels. Sevilla will pose their defence plenty of problems especially if Pique is not passed fit. Even though Barca have kept two clean sheets since returning to action, they have given up chances to both Mallorca and Leganes. Sevilla are more than capable of scoring against them and that makes 'both teams to score' the most tempting play here.