Prediction: Real Madrid vs Sevilla

Verdict: Real Madrid win & Under 5.5 goals

Best Odds: 8/13

Bookmaker: Luckster

Hoping to extend their buffer at the top of the La Liga table, Real Madrid will welcome Sevilla to the Spanish capital on Sunday night.

Real Madrid

Starting with the hosts, while Real Madrid might have eventually had to settle for a 1-1 stalemate away at local rivals Rayo Vallecano last week, the Spanish icons are enjoying a real purple patch. Firing on all cylinders and with the mood in Carlo Ancelotti’s camp at a real high, Los Blancos are tipped as a landslide contender to reclaim their domestic crown in 2024. Picking up a first-leg advantage while on Champions League duties earlier in the month as they secured a 1-0 victory away at RB Leipzig, Madrid have suffered just a single loss from any of their previous 29 appearances across all competitions. With that remarkable flurry stemming all the way back to September 24th, Sunday’s hosts will be looking to make another statement of intent here. Opening this weekend’s fixtures holding a commanding six-point buffer over the chasing pack and with their sights set on making more history this season, the former AC Milan boss has seen his superstar squad receive plenty of plaudits.

Team News

Still dealing with a recent ankle sprain, England international Jude Bellingham is not expected to be risked on Sunday night. The former Borussia Dortmund ace will be joined on the sidelines by the likes of Eder militia, David Alaba and former Chelsea shot-stopper Thibaut Courtois this weekend.

However, serving a one-match suspension away at Rayo Vallecano last week, French international defender Ferland Mandy should be handed a full recall here. Notching eight La Liga strikes this season and continuing to impress, one-time Newcastle misfit Joselu should once again partner Vinicius Junior in the final third.

Sevilla

As for the visitors, although Sevilla might have appeared to have turned a recent corner, Los Nervionenses couldn’t have asked for a tougher challenge here. Almost finding themselves sat in La Liga limbo, Quique Sanchez Flores has been desperate for some domestic stability. Last seen snatching a 0-0 stalemate away at Valencia, the one-time Watford boss has seen his squad win just a pair of their previous eight top-flight appearances. Likewise, crashing out o the Copa del Rey last month following a 1-0 defeat against Atletico Madrid, the Whites are set for another heavyweight examination. Tipped as a landslide underdog when they travel to the Spanish capital this weekend, Sevilla should also be concerned by a nightmare record against the runaway leaders. Despite snatching a 1-1 stalemate when they welcomed Los Blancos to Seville back on October 21st, they have failed to win any of their previous 10 straight meetings.

Team News

Still dealing with a stacked injury list, Sevilla are expected to travel to Madrid without the likes of Lucas Ocampos, Tanguy Nianzou, Dodi Lukebakio, Nemanja Gudelj and former Tottenham star Erik Lamela. Likewise, ex-Real Madrid ace Mariano Diaz is seen as a major doubt on Sunday night.

Bagging a pair of La Liga strikes in his three domestic appearances since returning from this month’s AFCON, Morocco international Youssef En Nesyri will spearhead Sevilla’s charge here. Former Real Madrid skipper Sergio Ramos will make an emotional return to the Bernabeu this weekend.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Real Madrid and Sevilla met for their reverse La Liga showdown back on October 21st, Saturday’s opponents played out a 1-1 stalemate.
• Sevilla have failed to record a single victory from any of their previous 10 straight meetings against Los Blancos across all competitions.
• Real Madrid have suffered just a single defeat across any competition since way back on September 24th.
• Saturday’s guests have recorded just a pair of victories from any of their previous eight La Liga appearances.
• Real Madrid have notched at least a pair of goals in eight of their last nine showdowns in the Spanish capital.

Conclusion

While Real Madrid might have been forced to settle for a disappointing 1-1 stalemate against local rivals Rayo Vallecano last weekend, Los Blancos still find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Tipped as a landslide contender to reclaim their La Liga crown in 2024, Saturday’s hosts will also be excited by a rampant record against Sevilla. Despite settling for a point when they travelled to the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan back on October 21st, Ancelotti’s men are unbeaten in all of their previous 10 straight meetings.

Verdict: Real Madrid win & Under 5.5 goals

Best Odds: 8/13

Bookmaker: Luckster