Barcelona vs Sevilla
It’s the big La Liga clash of the weekend.
A clash between two sides known for their purist football, fourth versus sixth, the Catalonians against the Andalusians.
SBOBET fans could well be in for a treat as two sides which have produced La Liga highlights galore over the years go head-to-head for what could be a Sunday night spectacle.
Talking Points
Barcelona are seeking another morale-boosting victory.
After a tough start to the new campaign, struggling for form and results both domestically and in Europe with talisman Lionel Messi injured, it appears normal service is being resumed.
In fact, the reigning champions have now won three out of their last four in the Spanish top-flight and that mini run has put the home side within three points of arch-rivals and league leaders Real Madrid.
Messi was back and in top form as both he and Luis Suarez inspired a 2-1 Champions League comeback win over Inter Milan in midweek to spark scenes of wild celebration and, no doubt, an element of relief.
Messi looks hungry for goals after being forced to bide his time on the sidelines and manager Ernesto Valverde will be hoping the Argentine maestro can strike up a partnership with Antoine Griezmann.
Despite all that, the Blaugrana will know Sevilla can prove tough opponents on their day.
The Catalan giants do have some injuries to contend with, including Jordi Alba, Samuel Umtiti and Junior Firpo who are all absent. Clement Lenglet is also out of the game through suspension after being sent off last weekend.
The good news is that 16 year-old Ansu Fati is back from injury and will be in the squad – set for the bench.
The Andalusian visitors may be level on points but their campaign has hardly been plain sailing.
A 3-2 win over Real Sociedad last time out ended a run of two straight league defeats and they followed that up with a 1-0 win over APOEL Nicosia in the Europa League on Thursday night.
Coach Julen Lopetegui certainly has a point to prove. He was dismissed as Real Madrid coach just under a year ago after his side were thrashed 5-1 in El Clasico so revenge may be on his mind.
They will be without injured centre back Daniel Carrico.
A home win could well prove pivotal to Barcelona’s chances of retaining their crown as La Liga champions, even at this early stage of the campaign.
Meanwhile, Sevilla will know a positive result could suddenly make them outside title challengers.
They not only have to beat the champions though, they have to end a dismal record.
History
When the teams sides met in Seville in the start of the year, Sevilla recorded a 2-0 home win with goals from Pablo Sarabia and Wissam Ben Yedder.
But don’t be fooled – that was in the first leg of their Copa del Rey quarter-final and, a week later, Barcelona thrashed the Andalusians 6-1 in the second leg for a 6-3 aggregate win, courtesy of goals from Philippe Coutinho (two), Ivan Rakitic, Sergio Roberto, Suarez and Messi – even though the outcome of the tie remained in the balance until the closing stages.
It was one of four Barca wins over them during 2018/19.
Barcelona won both these league fixtures by a 4-2 scoreline, with Messi on the scoresheet in both games including a hat-trick away from home.
They also triumphed when the two sides met in the Spanish Super Cup.
You have to go back to 2002 for last time Sevilla won at the Nou Camp in the top flight, although they did claim the 2006 UEFA Super Cup as Renato, Frédéric Kanouté and Enzo Maresca all scored to beat then then European champions in Monaco.
Overall the sides have met on 61 occasions with Barca winning 36, Sevilla 12 and 13 draws.
Betting Tip
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Barcelona vs Sevilla | Total Goal 2-3 @ 2.12 |
| October 7, 03:00 (GMT+8) |
The La Liga betting odds naturally favour Barcelona.
Teams generally leave the Nou Camp with no points as shown by the fact Barca are unbeaten in 15 home games, 14 of which have been victories.
Asian Handicap odds back them -1.50 @ 2.40 with Sevilla +1.00 @ 2.08.
It’s even more in their favour with 1X2 odds where the hosts are backed @ 1.50 with Sevilla out @ 4.60 and the draw priced @ 4.00.
My tip for this is going to involve goals.
Not quite a repeat of last season’s scoreline – correct score 4-2 @ 36.00 – but certainly a fair few.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
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|---|---|---|---|
 = €20 (Highly confident) |
= €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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