Prediction: Real Madrid vs Sevilla

Verdict: Total goals under 3.5

Best odds: 4/6

Bookmaker: 888sport

Real Madrid will aim to bounce back in La Liga when they host Sevilla at the Bernabeu on Sunday afternoon.

Currently third in the league standings, Los Blancos come into the game fresh off a 3-0 triumph over Pachuca to claim the FIFA Intercontinental Cup on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Sevilla secured a 1-0 win against Celta Vigo in their most recent outing.

Real Madrid

Real Madrid claimed the inaugural FIFA Intercontinental Cup on Wednesday with a commanding 3-0 win over Pachuca in Qatar, courtesy of goals from Kylian Mbappe, Rodrygo, and Vinicius Junior.

Shifting focus back to La Liga, Los Blancos aim to rebound from a thrilling 3-3 draw against Rayo Vallecano in their last league match. The Spanish title race remains tightly contested, with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid tied on 38 points, one ahead of Real Madrid, who hold a game in hand alongside Atletico.

With a record of 11 wins, four draws, and two losses from 17 matches, Real Madrid boast 37 goals, the league’s second-best tally behind Barcelona’s 50. At home, they have been dominant, winning seven of eight league fixtures. On Sunday, they face a Sevilla side that has managed just one away win in La Liga this season.

Team News

Real Madrid will face Sevilla this weekend without Vinicius Junior, who is suspended after picking up a milestone yellow card in their December 14 match against Rayo Vallecano.

The defensive line is also under strain, as Eder Militao, David Alaba, and Dani Carvajal remain sidelined due to injuries. However, there is some relief with Ferland Mendy returning to the squad, potentially bolstering the full-back options.

Mbappe returned to action against Pachuca following a muscular problem and should be available, offering a crucial attacking outlet. Additionally, Jude Bellingham, Thibaut Courtois, and Federico Valverde, despite not training with the squad on Friday, are expected to feature against Sevilla.

In Vinicius’s absence, Brahim Díaz is likely to step into the starting XI, providing an opportunity for the Spaniard to shine in a high-stakes encounter. Meanwhile, Aurelien Tchouameni is set to continue in an improvised defensive role, filling the gap left by injuries to key defenders.

Sevilla

Sevilla’s recent record against Real Madrid has been dismal, as they are currently enduring an 11-game winless streak against the capital giants across all competitions. This stretch includes nine defeats, underscoring the challenges that Los Nervionenses face whenever they meet Los Blancos.

Their struggles are even more pronounced in Madrid, where Sevilla have not tasted victory in a La Liga fixture since December 2008. Such a lengthy drought highlights the magnitude of the challenge awaiting them this weekend.

However, Sevilla will have the advantage of fresher legs, given their lighter fixture load compared to Real Madrid. Whether that advantage will be enough to overcome their poor record at the Bernabeu remains to be seen.

Sevilla come into this game on the back of a solid run of form, having secured a 1-0 win over Celta Vigo in their most recent outing last Saturday. With three victories in their last five matches, Los Nervionenses have shown resilience, and their only loss during this period – a thrilling 4-3 encounter against Atletico Madrid – came against one of the league’s top sides.

Currently positioned 11th in the La Liga standings, Sevilla have accumulated 22 points from 17 matches, courtesy of six wins, four draws, and seven defeats. This leaves them just five points adrift of fifth-placed Villarreal, offering hope of a potential climb up the table.

After enduring a disappointing 14th-place finish last season, their worst in La Liga since relegation in 2001, Sevilla are showing signs of improvement. While they remain in the bottom half of the table, the team’s recent performances suggest that better days could be ahead under Garcia Pimienta’s guidance.

Team News

Sevilla will head to the capital missing several key players through injury, including Djibril Sow, Adria Pedrosa, Chidera Ejuke, Rafa Mir, and Tanguy Nianzou.

Isaac Romero is expected to lead the line in the centre-forward role, offering Sevilla a focal point in attack. Supporting him in the final third will be Dodi Lukebakio, who has been in fine form this season with seven league goals. Manu Bueno, fresh off his impressive performance and goal against Celta Vigo, will retain his spot in central midfield. The 20-year-old has already shown glimpses of his potential and will be eager to make a similar impact against the La Liga giants.

Sevilla will aim to build on their solid recent form, which includes three wins in their last five matches. While injuries have depleted their options, the returning players and emerging talents like Bueno could provide the spark needed to challenge Real Madrid.

Conclusion

A close, competitive match is anticipated, but Real Madrid’s superior firepower and the influence of their home crowd should tilt the scales in their favor. The La Liga champions are well-equipped to grind out a hard-fought victory and collect all three points on Sunday afternoon.

Verdict: Total goals under 3.5

Best odds: 4/6

Bookmaker: 888sport