Barcelona vs Sevilla: Match Preview
- Barcelona take on Sevilla in La Liga on Sunday night
- Barca sit at the division’s summit having won eight from nine
- Sevilla are unbeaten in previous three and secured huge win in Seville Derby before October break
La Liga leaders Barcelona are back in domestic action on Sunday night as they welcome a resurgent Sevilla to Catalonia.
Hansi Flick has enjoyed quite the start to his Barca tenure, with the German’s injury-hit outfit leading the division through the first two months of the 2024/25 campaign against the odds. They’ve started the league season with eight wins from nine, but tougher tests await in the form of Bayern Munich and Real Madrid over the next week.
For now, though, his focus will solely be on overseeing a victory against a Sevilla side that are unbeaten in their previous three games having endured a woeful start to the season under new manager Garcia Pimienta.
Sunday’s visitors currently sit 12th in La liga despite their upsurge before the international break, and they secured a huge victory over Real Betis in the Seville Derby last time out. However, they have a wretched record against the current league leaders with their last victory over Barca arriving in 2015.
Barcelona team news
Barcelona’s injuries forced Flick to turn to La Masia before the break, but the German should be able to welcome several senior stars back into his matchday squad on Sunday.
The boss has confirmed that Gavi, Dani Olmo, and Fermin Lopez will all make their respective returns from injury this weekend, while Lamine Yamal has avoided a major issue and will be available.
However, if Flick opts to rest the teenager with huge contests upcoming, Pau Victor could start down the right.
Frenkie de Jong likely won’t be risked, and Wojciech Szczesny may have to wait a little longer to make his first start for the club.
Sevilla team news
The visitors are without the suspended Tanguy Nianzou after he was sent off in Sevilla’s derby win two weeks ago, so Marcao will likely get the nod at the heart of Pimienta’s defence.
Djibril Sow misses out once again due to a hamstring injury, while Saul Niguez is nursing a thigh problem.
Arsenal loanee Albert Sambi Lokonga will likely have to settle for a place on the bench alongside veteran Jesus Navas and crafty playmaker Suso.
Barcelona vs Sevilla score prediction
Barcelona are bound to be buoyed by the returns of several key figures this weekend, and while Sevilla showed signs of life before the break, they have a wretched record in this fixture and it’s hard to envisage them securing a result on Sunday.
Flick’s coaching has allowed an injury-hit Barca to punch above their weight at the start of the new season, and their excellent start to the La Liga campaign is expected to continue on home soil ahead of a huge week which will reveal a little more about the league leaders.
Prediction: Barcelona 2-0 Sevilla
Credit: 90Min