Verdict: Both teams to score – yes
Best Odds: 13/19
Bookmaker: 888sport
Sevilla play host to Atletico Madrid in a return leg of the Copa del Rey quarterfinals looking to maintain the upper hand achieved thanks to a 2-1 win from the first leg. Los Rojiblancos are slowly gaining momentum under new boss Vincenzo Montella whereas Los Colchineros are not in their best form at the moment.
Sevilla
Sevilla head into the midweek Copa del Rey challenge on the back of successive victories which will have come as an important boost for the new manager Vincenzo Montella and the entire team for that matter.
Los Rojiblancos earned a comfortable 3-0 win at Espanyol on Saturday to go fifth in the La Liga standings and reward their new manager with his first league win at the third attempt. Former AC Milan boss took some time to adapt to his new surroundings but is slowly gaining momentum with three wins in five matches in charge. The Italian will have been satisfied with his initial stages at a new club, especially following a morale-boosting 2-1 win at Wanda Metropolitano last week. Jesus Navas and Joaquin Correa scored a goal apiece to cancel out Diego Costa’s opener in what has been understood as somewhat a surprising win for the Rojiblancos.
Team News
Centre-back pair Daniel Carrico and Nicolas Pareja continue to miss out through injury.
Montella’s defensive problems ahead of the match pile up knowing that Simon Kjaer is ruled out due to a back problem sustained after the Alaves match.
Atletico Madrid
Los Colchineros’ faint hopes of catching up with the runaway La Liga leaders Barcelona have suffered a fresh blow this weekend with Diego Simeone’s men being held for a 1-1 draw against Girona. Antoine Griezmann latched on a Diego Costa header to volley Atletico in front in the first half, but the giants killers hit back through Portu later after the break.
Sitting huge 11 points behind the Catalans in second place in La Liga, Atletico Madrid will try to turn their season around in Copa del Rey although it will be easier said than done knowing they will have to overcome a 2-1 deficit from the first match. With one eye on the midweek clash, Diego Simeone decided to withdraw Diego Costa and Griezmann which ultimately came back to haunt him minutes later. With a blunt edge upfront Los Colchineros struggled to get back in the game and were forced to settle for a draw. Atletico Madrid won three of last five matches at Sevilla and will most certainly be hoping that head-to-head record will go their way once again on Tuesday as they look to salvage their season.
Team News
Left-back Filipe Luis has been out of contention with a hamstring injury since the end of December. Diego Simeone picked up a hamstring injury and could be a major risk for the forthcoming game.
Out-of-favour Nico Gaitan is suffering from a muscle problem and won’t be able to help his teammates as he also looks to sort out his future during this winter transfer window.
Key Factors to Consider
- Vincenzo Montella won 3 of 5 games in charge of Sevilla
- The Italian recorded his 1st La Liga win this weekend
- Sevilla are coming off from back-to-back away victories
- Atletico Madrid won 4 of their last 5 matches on the road
- Diego Costa scored 3 goals in 5 matches since his return to Atletico
Conclusion
Vincenzo Montella is slowly starting to get a full grip on his Sevilla job as Los Rojiblancos look to extend their back-to-back mini winning run against Atletico Madrid. Los Colhineros are a wounded animal and will have to be taken seriously. Their defensive record away from home has been nothing short of impressive but they will have to attack Sevilla this time around as Copa del Rey could be their only chance of lifting a domestic piece of silverware.
Verdict: Both teams to score – yes
Best Odds: 13/19
Bookmaker: 888sport
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
