Verdict: Away win
Best odds: 40/85
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
Barcelona will be out to respond to their midweek Champions League setback when they resume La Liga duties with a visit to Sevilla at Estadio Ramon on Sunday afternoon.
The Catalan champions currently lead the standings by a single point over rivals Real Madrid, while Sevilla’s encouraging start has earned them 10 points from seven games, placing them ninth in the table.
Sevilla
Sevilla endured a torrid 2023/24 season, finishing down in 17th place – their worst league campaign since relegation in 1999/2000 – and only narrowly avoiding the drop, by a single point. Understandably, much more is expected this term, and early signs suggest that Los Nervionenses will not be flirting with relegation again.
After opening with consecutive defeats to Athletic Bilbao and Getafe, Matias Almeyda’s side have steadied the ship, winning three of their last five and suffering just one reverse in that time. Their most recent outing brought a 1-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano, with Akor Adams striking late to secure maximum points.
Sevilla now sit ninth with 10 points, only three behind the top four, and Almeyda will hope his team can capitalise on any fatigue in the Barcelona ranks following their midweek European exertions.
Team News
The hosts will again be without Alfon Gonzalez and Tanguy Nianzou through injury, while Joan Jordan and Adnan Januzaj are significant doubts. Alexis Sanchez, who represented Barcelona between 2011 and 2014, is set to start in attack at the age of 36.
A three-man backline should be deployed once more, while Lucien Agoume – reportedly attracting interest from Manchester United and Arsenal – is in contention for a midfield role.
Barcelona
Barcelona’s Champions League hopes took a dent on Wednesday as they fell 2-1 at home to an injury-hit Paris Saint-Germain, who pulled off a famous victory at Estadi OlÃmpic. However, Hansi Flick’s men remain in a strong domestic position, having collected 19 points from their first seven league games to top the table.
The Catalans edged Real Sociedad 2-1 last weekend, with their only slip-up in La Liga so far coming in a draw with Rayo Vallecano before the September break. Moreover, their record against Sevilla is formidable – seven straight league wins, including emphatic 5-1 and 4-1 scorelines last season, and an unbeaten run in the fixture stretching back to October 2015.
In total, Barcelona have beaten Sevilla 117 times in 201 meetings, underlining their historical dominance of the matchup and cementing their status as heavy favourites.
Team News
Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Gavi, Fermin Lopez, Joan Garcia and Raphinha remain sidelined, limiting Flick’s options, though rotation is still expected after the midweek defeat.
Robert Lewandowski is tipped to return to lead the line, while Ronald Araujo and Alejandro Balde should be restored to the back four. In midfield, Marc Casado could be handed a chance, but Frenkie de Jong and Pedri are expected to keep their starting spots.
Conclusion
Sevilla’s recent form suggests they can pose a test for the champions, but Barcelona’s quality, depth and record in this fixture are difficult to ignore. Flick’s men should have enough to navigate a tricky away assignment and secure another vital three points in their title defence.
Verdict: Away win
Best odds: 40/85
Bookmaker: Olympusbet