Verdict: Over 3.5 goals scored – yes
Best Odds: 11/8
Bookmaker: 888sport
Real Madrid are coming off a disappointing 0-3 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in Week 1 of the UEFA Champions League earlier this week. However, Los Blancos will aim for a bounce-back performance in a tough environment since they will take on Sevilla. Los Nervionenses have been one of the top sides in LaLiga this season, and defeating Real Madrid would certainly represent a statement win for the Andalucia-based side. Kick-off for this match is slated at 20:00 hrs BST.
Sevilla
Sevilla sat at the top of the standings before the start of the weekend and even though they are now tied with Atletico Madrid and Granada – yes, you read that right – for the top spot with 10 points, Los Nervionenses could very well move to the top of the standings once again after the weekend concludes with the win here. One of the main reasons why Sevilla have looked so strong to begin the season is because their defensive line has been nothing short of excellent – they have conceded just one goal in four Liga matches thus far. They also kept a clean sheet in their UEFA Europa League debut, meaning they have not conceded in four of five competitive matches this term. Sevilla rely heavily on their defensive ability to get results since they have scored more than once just twice this season in all competitions.
Team News
Sevilla do not have fresh injury concerns ahead of this match. The lone probable absentee would be Nolito, who is dealing with a thigh problem.
Real Madrid
Los Merengues have not started their season on a strong note. Even though they are still undefeated following their first four league matches (W2, D2), they have looked far from convincing and their 0-3 loss against Paris Saint-Germain in their UEFA Champions League debut probably made fans even more uncomfortable due to the team’s performances. Real Madrid have looked away from home this season, however, as they defeated Celta de Vigo and drew against Villarreal but netted at least twice in both matches. Real Madrid are only one of four undefeated teams in La Liga this term, and this game could be huge for them. Given how other results have happened, Los Merengues could move towards the top of the table with a win here. Can they pull the upset at the Sanchez Pizjuan, knowing they haven’t had very good results in that venue of late?
Team News
Real Madrid could have lots of absentees ahead of this match. Marco Asensio (knee) and Luka Modric (groin) are injured, but several other players are either questionable or in doubt. Brahim Diaz (groin), Marcelo (neck), Isco (knee), Sergio Ramos (calf) and Federico Valverde (thigh) are all under the “questionable” tag. Which of these players will make it into the matchday squad?
Key Factors to Consider
- Sevilla are unbeaten in five matches in all competitions. They have also scored the opening goal in each of their Liga matches thus far.
- Only one of Real Madrid’s matches this season has produced over 3.5 goals in total.
- Real have conceded over 1.5 goals in seven consecutive matches against Sevilla in this venue. They have lost five of those games.
- Sevilla have not conceded a goal in four of their last five matches across all competitions.
- All of Real Madrid’s four Liga matches this season have ended with both teams scoring. Three have had over 3.5 goals scored.
Conclusion
Form-wise, there’s no question Sevilla look like the better side. But Real Madrid will try to bounce back following Wednesday’s ugly loss at PSG. This game could easily be a very open one, as the winner would move to the top of the standings. Therefore, this match could easily end with at least four goals scored in total.
Verdict: Over 3.5 goals scored – yes
Best Odds: 11/8
Bookmaker: 888sport
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