Verdict: Over 2.5 goals scored – yes
Best Odds: 11/8
Bookmaker: 888sport
Two of the top sides in La Liga will meet this Sunday in a thrilling encounter, as Barcelona will take on Sevilla at Camp Nou. Los Blaugranas are coming off a huge win over Inter Milan midweek in the UEFA Champions League, while Sevilla did the same thing against APOEL in the UEFA Europa League. Now these two sides will collide in La Liga. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 hrs BST.
Barcelona
Los Blaugranas endured a tough start to the 2019-20 season and arguably, their lowest point was a 0-2 away defeat at Granada where fans were questioning whether it was worthwile to keep Ernesto Valverde as the manager. However, the reigning Liga champions have turned things around of late and now enter this game on a three-game winning streak across all competitions. They are coming off a come-from-behind 2-1 win over Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League earlier this week, and secured a 2-0 win at Getafe in their most recent Liga match. Barca have been impressive at home, as they are currently riding a 10-game winning streak in league play at Camp Nou. Plus, they have won their first three home matches in Liga this term, scoring 12 goals already but conceding five. Can they keep the streak going for one more week?
Team News
Ansu Fati (knee), Jordi Alba (thigh) and Samuel Umtiti (foot) are all ruled out for FC Barcelona ahead of this match.
There could be some rotations to the side as well. Especially in midfield, where Ernesto Valverde remains unable to find the perfect three-player setting.
Sevilla
Sevilla should be considered as underdogs ahead of this match. However, that doesn’t say they are expected to be an easy opponent for Los Blaugranas. Los Nervionenses are coming off a 1-0 win over APOEL in the UEFA Europa League this past Thursday, but they enter this match having won just one of their last three La Liga matches (W1, L2). Their five-game form in league play has been slightly better – W2, D1, L2 – but they still sit just two points away from the top of the standings. It depends on what happens with other teams such as Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, but there is a chance Sevilla can move to the top of the table with a win here. That doesn’t sound likely to happen, however, as Sevilla last won here at Camp Nou in a Copa del Rey match back in the 2009/10 season. They have gone D2, L13 since then when playing Barca at this venue.
Team News
Daniel Carrico is Sevilla’s lone absentee due to an undisclosed injury.
Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez could be in the starting XI after he scored the game-winning goal against APOEL on Thursday.
Key Factors to Consider
- FC Barcelona seem to be leaving their negative run of results on the rear view. Los Blaugranas are now riding a three-game winning streak in all competitions.
- Sevilla, on the other hand, are on a two-game winning run themselves (all competitions). However, they have lost two of their last three Liga matches.
- Los Nervionenses, however, struggled in recent trips to Camp Nou. They are riding a seven-game losing streak in this venue.
- Barca, meanwhile, have won 10 straight league matches at Camp Nou. In their last two Liga matches, they have built a 2-0 lead within the opening 15 minutes.
- Five of Sevilla’s last six away matches have ended with a margin of under 1.5 goals in the final score. Could we be in line for a tight contest once again?
Conclusion
These two sides are two of the most talented teams in La Liga when it comes to attacking depth. Plus, four of their last five meetings in all competitions have ended with at least three goals scored.
That trend shouldn’t change here. Expect this game to feature over 2.5 goals in total.
Verdict: Over 2.5 goals scored – yes
Best Odds: 11/8
Bookmaker: 888sport
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