Sevilla vs Barcelona match preview: Probable lineups, tactics, match facts, prediction

Barca Universal

·20 December 2021

Sevilla vs Barcelona match preview: Probable lineups, tactics, match facts, prediction

Date and time: 21st September; 21:30 CETStadium: Ramon Sanchez PizjuanCompetition: La LigaReferee: Del Cerro Grande

Overview

Just over a week ago, all hopes of Champions League qualification for Barcelona were slowly dying down. The team faced a traumatizing period, with a winless streak rubbing salt into their wounds.

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However, Saturday’s result has propelled the Catalans into seventh place on the table. Atletico Madrid and Real Betis dropped points as well, and a win on Tuesday against Sevilla will make them serious contenders for a podium finish. A gargantuan clash awaits Xavi’s men at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, one certainly not beyond their ability.

What to expect from Barcelona

After four winless games in a row, Barcelona got back to winning ways against Elche at the weekend. The game was not bereft of its share of drama, for a slack two minutes almost cost the team dearly.

It took an 85th-minute winner from Nico Gonzalez to bring home all three points. Now, Xavi’s side are on the road again and head towards one of La Liga’s most feared stadiums.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s place in the team has never been more questioned as it is right now. The German has been on a constant downward spiral, and his performances seem to be progressively deteriorating. Could Xavi look to change things in goal for the high-intensity clash?

Gerard Pique will return from suspension and likely partner Ronald Araujo and Clement Lenglet in defence. The three centre-back system has been Xavi’s weapon in the absence of attacking options. It is unlikely for the trend to change on Tuesday.

In midfield, Sergio Busquets will continue in the deep position despite recent calls to bench the captain. Frenkie de Jong will start alongside Nico and Gavi in a midfield diamond. The La Masia duo have been delivering consistently impressive performances in recent games and will be a potent weapon for Xavi to unleash against an organized opposition.

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In attack, Ferran Jutgla will undoubtedly start as the number 9 after his impressive full debut on Saturday. Ousmane Dembele and Ez Abde will complete the front three, providing width and versatility to the Catalan attack.

Probable Barcelona XI (3-3-1-3): ter Stegen; Araujo, Pique, Lenglet; Nico, Busi, de Jong; Gavi; Dembele, Jutgla, Abde

What to expect from Sevilla

Sevilla have performed like a well-oiled machine under Julen Lopetegui. Sitting proudly at second on the league table, the Andulasians have slipped up only twice this season: against Real Madrid and Granada.

Bono has been a solid pillar in the lineup for Sevilla. The shot-stopper has only leaked 0.6 goals per game, a statistic that puts him among the top goalkeepers in the league.

Lopetegui has issues at full-back with Jesus Navas, Gonzalo Montiel, and Marcos Acuna unavailable through injury. Jules Kounde was asked to step in at right-back halfway through the Atletico Madrid game and will likely start in that role against Barça.

Ludwig Augustinsson will start at left-back, while Diego Carlos and Karim Rekik hold the fort for Sevilla in central defence.

Ivan Rakitic opened the scoring against Atletico Madrid and will surely start against his former club on Tuesday. He will be a part of a defensively solid midfield trio alongside Joan Jordan and Fernando.

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On the offensive front, Lopetegui can count on the services of Raf Mir once again, which comes as a fresh whiff of air. Alejandro Gomez starts on the left, and Lucas Ocampos will likely assume responsibility on the left despite picking up a knock.

Probable Sevilla XI (4-3-3): Bono; Kounde, Carlos, Rekik, Augustinsson; Jordan, Fernando, Rakitic; Ocampos, Mir, Papu

Marquee Player

Jules Kounde

Over the last year, the name of Jules Kounde has become a household one. The Sevilla defender was very close to securing a move to Chelsea and still is on course to make a big-money move come the summer window.

La Liga’s finest. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

His performances have been at an exceptionally high level over the past two seasons, but it is his unique profile the catches the eye. In addition to being a fabulous defender, Kounde’s dribbling and ball carrying abilities are breathtaking. One instantly remembers the solo goal the youngster scored against Barcelona last season.

Against a weakened Barcelona attack, Kounde becomes an even more daunting figure. Even though he is expected to start on the right of the defence, it will be a herculean task for the Catalan front line to find a way past him on the night.

Match Facts

Sevilla

Previous games: WWWLW

Barcelona

Previous Games: WLDLL

Head-to-head record

Key Stats

Ahead of this clash, Barcelona have gone six games without a clean sheet.
Sevilla have not won against Barcelona in the league since 2015, when the game ended 2-1.
Sevilla are on a three-game winning streak heading into their home game against Barcelona.
Barcelona have won six out of their last ten games against Sevilla. (D2, L2)
Julien Loptegui has won just one out of his seven games against Barcelona. (D2, L4)

Prediction

The game will be an end-to-end affair. Xavi will surely pull a few tricks to outsmart Lopetegui, but the Sevilla manager has been known to be cunning in his game plans.

Both teams will try to keep possession and attack slowly, but tomorrow is the best chance Lopetgui has to build on his poor record vs Barça.

Barca Universal prediction: Sevilla 3-1 Barcelona