Prediction: Sevilla vs Barcelona

Prediction: Barcelona to win 2-1

Best Odds: 15/2

Bookmaker: Betfair

Sevilla and Barcelona will lock horns with each other in La Liga this weekend. The match at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan is slated to kick off at 3:15pm UK time on Saturday and promises to be a cracking game of football.

Sevilla

Not many will back Sevilla for the La Liga title this season, but the fact of the matter is that they are not completely out of the running yet. The Andalusian club are fourth in the league table at the moment with 48 points from 23 matches, just seven points behind leaders Atletico Madrid.

Of course, the main objective for Sevilla this season is to finish in the top four and clinch a Champions League place, but with the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona far from imperious at the moment, Julen Lopetegui’s side will feel that they have a chance. Los Palanganas will head into the game against Barcelona on the back of a 2-0 victory over Osasuna away from home in the league.

Team News:

Luuk de Jong scored against Osasuna on Monday evening and is likely to start against Barcelona

Barcelona

At the start of the season, it seemed that Barcelona will struggle to even finish in the top four of the La Liga table. However, there is now a chance that Ronald Koeman’s side could win the title. The Blaugrana have improved a lot over the last several weeks and are now very much challenging Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid in the title race.

Barcelona are third in the La Liga table at the moment with 50 points from 24 matches, just two points behind bitter rivals and defending Spanish champions Madrid and five points behind leaders Atletico, who have played 23 games. The Blaugrana will head into the game against Sevilla on the back of a 3-0 victory over Elche at home in the league.

Team News:

Lionel Messi scored twice against Elche on Wednesday evening and will start again against Sevilla. Antoine Griezmann could return to the starting lineup.

Key Factors to Consider

• Sevilla have scored 34 goals in 23 La Liga matches this season.
• Barcelona have scored 53 goals in 24 La Liga matches this season.
• Sevilla have conceded 16 goals in 23 La Liga games this campaign.
• Barcelona have conceded 22 goals in 23 La Liga games this campaign.
• Sevilla beat Barcelona 2-0 at home in Copa del Rey semi-final first-leg tie this month.

Conclusion

Sevilla have a strong team who can beat Barcelona, and they will fancy their chances of doing just that. However, Messi is back scoring goals and Barcelona are doing well in La Liga, and there is a very good chance that the former Spanish and European champions will eke out a win.

Prediction: Barcelona to win 2-1

Best Odds: 15/2

Bookmaker: Betfair