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Sevilla is set to host Barcelona for another epic encounter in the La Liga 2018-19. The Catalans will face an uphill task in 25th fixture of the league this season. The home side needs to be ready for this upcoming challenge when they take on Barcelona in their backyard. Both the teams will collide with each other for the second time in La Liga this season. Barcelona thrashed the visitors by 4-2 at the Camp Nou in that previous encounter.
The reigning Spanish Champions, Barcelona, have been in a scintillating form in this campaign. This season they would be eyeing to defend their title successfully. The league leaders are 7 points clear at the top of the table and this away game is the nearest obstacle that they need to conquer. This contest becomes more crucial for Barcelona as we approach the business end of the league and the visitors can’t afford any slip-up as it will give their opponents a chance to catch up with them. Messi & Co will look to dominate the pitch as they have done this season in almost every league game. However, their backline is still fragile which can cause enough problems for the Catalans.
On the contrary, Sevilla needs to get a positive result in the upcoming match against Barcelona to keep their Champions Leagues hopes alive for the next season. Playing against a world-class attacking team is always going to be difficult whether you play at home or away. But the home side can look to threaten their opponents with their blistering pace and quick counter-attacks. We have often seen that Barcelona tend to put the bodies forward during an attack and concede a goal when they lose possession. Currently, Sevilla has taken the fourth spot just one point ahead of the fifth-placed Getafe. The hosts would be hoping to land a counterpunch against the team that knocked them out in the Copa Del Rey Cup.
Game details
Date: Saturday, 23 February 2019
Time: 08:45 PM IST
Venue: Estadio Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium, Seville
League: La Liga 2018-19
Live Telecast: Sony Network
Online Streaming: Sonyliv (Website, App)
Recent Form
Sevilla – L D W L W
Barcelona – D D D W D
Team News
Sevilla
- Aleix Vidal and Nolito have been ruled out with injuries.
- Roque Mesa will also miss the match due to suspension.
- Pablo Sarabia and Wissam Ben Yedder are fit to join the squad back.
Barcelona
- Rafinha, Cillessen, Arthur and Thomas Vermaelen will remain unavailable because of their respective injuries.
- Samuel Umtiti is set to make a comeback after an ankle injury.
- Coutinho might miss out again due to his poor run in form. Dembele might replace him in the playing XI.
Key players
Barcelona
- Lionel Messi
- Luis Suarez
- Gerard Pique
Sevilla
- Ben Yedder
- E. Banega
- Vaclik
Probable Playing XI
Sevilla: Vaclik; Gomez, Kjaer, Mercado; Navas, Sarabia, Banega, Vazquez, Escudero; A Silva, Ben Yedder
Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Semedo, Umtiti, Pique, Alba; Vidal, Busquets, Rakitic; Dembele, L Suarez, Messi
