Insight and Analysis: Sevilla vs Barcelona LaLiga 2021 Match Prediction and Preview
Sevilla vs Barcelona LaLiga 2021 Match Prediction, Injuries/Suspension, Match Facts, Team News, Preview and Where to Watch.
Still hoping to end a 17-year three-team monopoly on the Spanish football title.
Last time out, Sevilla needed a late goal past the 85th minute to beat Atlético Madrid 2-1 and make it three La Liga (LL) triumphs in a row.
They’ll then try to end a long losing streak against a Barcelona squad still in transition under Xavi.
Since October 2015, they haven’t won an LL H2H match (D3, L8 following).
Sevilla has only lost two points at home this season (W7, D1), and has led at halftime in six of those victories.
Strong starts are a big part of why the HT/FT record is so good.
Sevilla has also scored the first goal in six of their eight LL home games within the first 20 minutes.
After squandering a 2-0 lead against Elche, Barcelona needed a late 85th-minute goal to win at the weekend.
It was a pleasant change for the Catalans, who had lost points in three of their prior six LL games (D2, L1) due to goals scored after the 75th minute.
If the ‘Blaugrana’ can win, they will climb into the top five for the time being.
Barcelona’s momentum is building, as they are unbeaten in their previous three LL away games (W1, D2), scoring the game’s first goal in each of them.
In both games, though, Barcelona conceded an equalizer after the 80th minute.
Showing that Xavi’s somewhat inexperienced team isn’t invincible in the final phases.
Match Information
Referee: Del Cerro C. (Esp), Venue: Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán (Sevilla)
Players to keep an eye on
Ivan Rakiti, a former Barcelona player, has scored both of Sevilla’s LL goals this season on home soil.
Gavi continues to be the mastermind behind Barcelona’s current harvest.
As of Sunday evening, he had one goal and two assists in his past two LL games, giving him the top-five European leagues’ youngest scorers this season.
Real Madrid vs Cadiz LaLiga 2021 Match PredictionHot Stat
In nine of the last 11 LL H2Hs, Barcelona has scored at least two goals.
Team News
Sevilla
Youssef En-Nesyri has returned early after a long-term injury, but Jesus Navas is out until the New Year. He’ll most likely come off the bench.
Suso and Erik Lamela, as well as Oliver Torres, will be absent.
After suffering a muscular injury last time out, Gonzalo Montiel is a new doubt, as is Marcos Acuna.
Lucas Ocampos and Diego Carlos have recovered from injuries, and Fernando has returned from suspension.
Barcelona
Martin Braithwaite, Ansu Fati, Pedri, and Sergi Roberto have all been ruled out of the tournament. Memphis Depay and Sergino Dest have been ruled out as well.
Jordi Alba has returned from injury, and Gerard Pique has been reinstated following his suspension.
Ferran Jutgla was a surprise starter and scored last time out, so he should hold his spot here with Fati and Memphis both out.
Factors to Consider
In all competitions, Barcelona has won 30 of their last 33 matches against Sevilla.
1.44 for Barcelona to win or draw
Sevilla has won nine of their last ten games at home (LaLiga).
Under 2.5 goals have been scored in each of Sevilla’s last five encounters against Barcelona in all competitions.
Sevilla has scored at least two goals (LaLiga) in seven of their past eight home encounters.
In Barcelona’s last three away games, there have been more than 2.5 goals scored (LaLiga).
Barcelona has scored at least two goals (LaLiga) in their last three road encounters.
Prediction
Sevilla are back in the title chase after a big win against Atletico Madrid last time out, thanks to goals from Ivan Rakitic and Lucas Ocampos.
With Real Madrid’s draw, Julen Lopetegui’s side has a chance to cut the gap to six points.
With a win here, they can cut the deficit to three points, however Real Madrid will play again on Wednesday.
Sevilla will have a game in hand heading into Christmas in either case, so a win today will keep them firmly in the title chase.
Prior to the win over Atletico, Sevilla overcame Athletic Club and then won the Copa del Rey in a nail-biting penalty shootout over Andratx.
Barcelona won 3-2 over Elche last time out, despite allowing a two-goal comeback.
The first goals were scored by Ferran Jutgla and Gavi, and after Elche scored twice to come back into the game, Nico Gonzalez scored the game-winning goal.
After a tie with Osasuna, a loss to Bayern, and a loss to Real Betis, Barca had gone three games without a win.
The Blaugrana enter this match in seventh place, with a chance to leapfrog Real Sociedad and into the Europa League places if they win.
Unfortunately for them, they travel to Sevilla, who now appear to be a class above Xavi Hernandez’s men. A victory for the home team.
Where to Watch
Arena Sport (Svn), beIN Sport (Fra), CANAL+ Sport (Pol), CBC Sport (Az), CMore (Fin), CMore Fotboll (Swe), CMore Sport (Fin), DAZN Deutsch, DAZN Italia, DAZN Japan, Digi Sport 1 (Rom), Eleven Sports (Por), Look Sport +, Max Sport, Nova Sport 3 (Cze), Nova Sports (Hel), Setanta Sports Eurasia, Spiler2 TV, Spor Smart, S Sport, Telekom Sport (Rom), TV2 Sport Premium, TV2 Sport X (Den), Veikkaus TV, Ziggo Kanaal 14, Ziggo Sport Select
