Sevilla v Real Madrid: Match prediction and more | La Liga 2019/20

The Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan is a difficult place for Real Madrid to visit under any circumstance. Going there on the back of a Champions League defeat seems particularly difficult. Zinedine Zidane will hope to use the pain of that loss to inspire his side to a good result against Sevilla this Sunday.

The hosts have come out on top over Real Madrid in 11 of their previous 17 home games. It's a record that should make them proud and confident. In terms of present form as well, there's no reason why Sevilla shouldn't believe they can extend their lead at the top of the table. Yet, it is Real Madrid they face, and that can never be taken lightly.

This Sevilla side has built its campaign on a solid defensive base so far. They have only conceded one goal that came in a 1-1 draw to Celta Vigo; a blip in an otherwise impressive record.

Real Madrid meanwhile, have the attacking firepower to trouble them, but their ability to protect their own goal will come into question by a clinical Sevilla forward line.

Real Madrid's midfield concerns

Toni Kroos, Casemiro, and Dani Carvajal have been heavily involved in most of Real Madrid's build-up play this season. They haven't been the most creative outlets, but for now, they're the most likely to create opportunities.

This consistently poses a problem for Real Madrid's midfield. The third man in midfield this season in parts has been Luka Modric, James Rodriguez, and for a short period Lucas Vazquez. Given that most of the defensive burden is shouldered in the middle by Casemiro, this third midfielder needs to be someone who can assist the Brazilian in defensive duties.

In seasons gone by, Modric or Kroos would be up to this task, but they're unable to cope with the demands of the position. Teams are already exploiting their inability to cope in those areas at least for sustained periods, and if they don't address it against Sevilla, it could be their undoing.

Predicted score: Sevilla 1-1 Real Madrid