Prediction: FC Barcelona vs Sevilla

Verdict: FC Barcelona to win at HT and FT – yes

Best Odds: 5/4

Bookmaker: 888sport

For the first time ever, the Spanish Super Cup will be played outside the Spanish borders. This time, the game will happen on Morocco at Stade Ibn Batouta (Tanger). Barcelona are clear favourites on paper, but can Sevilla pull the upset and take advantage of the fact they are fitter than their opponent at the moment?

FC Barcelona

FC Barcelona are viewed by many experts as the winners of the transfer market in Spain even though there are roughly three weeks left before the market closes until January next year. The reigning Liga and Copa del Rey champions somehow managed to strengthen their squad considerably over the course of the summer, getting upgrades on both sides of the ball. They lost players such as Yerry Mina, Aleix Vidal, Andre Gomes, Lucas Digne and Paulinho, but went ahead and acquired Clement Lenglet, Arthur, Malcom and Arturo Vidal, although those latter two signings had some controversy with the way Barca handled the negotiations. They lost against both AS Roma and AC Milan during pre-season, but Barca used several non-regular players on their friendly tour. This will be the first time they will trot a full-strength squad since last season’s end.

Team News

Sergi Roberto is suspended for this game, while Denis Suárez and Carlos Aleña are both doubtful.

The new signings – Vidal, Malcom and Lenglet – have all been included on the matchday squad but it remains to be seen whether they will start or not.

Sevilla

Sevilla clearly enter this game as underdogs, but don’t let that status fool you. Los Nervionenses have already played several matches – both friendlies and UEFA Europa League Qualifiers – so they are fitter than Barca. Their recent results have also been quite good, although they have mostly faced lesser opponents, Los Nervionenses have lost just one of their eight games (between friendlies and EL matches), and have posted a W6, D1, L1 mark. Sevilla will play this game following their defeat in the final against Barca in the Copa del Rey last season (0-5) and now they will have a golden chance to avenge that defeat. However, recent results between these two sides clearly give Barca an edge since Sevilla are riding a nine-game winless run against Los Blaugranas across all competitions. Can they turn things around and pull the upset here?

Team News

Sevilla are at full strength ahead of this game.

There are no injured, suspended or doubtful players.

Key Factors to Consider

• Sevilla’s 91 defeats to date against Barcelona is their most against any club.
• Plus, Sevilla are riding a nine-game winless run against Barca across all competitions. They have registered two draws and seven defeats over that span.
• Taking only La Liga games into account, Barcelona have scored at least two goals vs Sevilla in each of their last 13 encounters.
• The last six meetings between both sides (all competitions) have had over 2.5 goals scored.
• Their most recent game was the Copa del Rey final last season. Barcelona won that game by an expressive 5-0 score.

Conclusion

Sevilla might have an edge in the quantity of matches played, but that is their lone advantage. Barcelona are a far better team, and they managed to strenghten their side considerably over the course of the summer.

Expect Barca to win this game both at half-time and full-time.

Verdict: FC Barcelona to win at HT and FT – yes

Best Odds: 5/4

Bookmaker: 888sport