Prediction: Sevilla vs Valencia

Verdict: Draw

Best Odds: 28/11

Bookmaker: 888sport

Valencia travel to Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan this weekend hoping for three points that would additionally boost their top-three chances but Sevilla are out for revenge after the heavy 4-0 blow at Mestalla last October.

Sevilla

The current season has been a tough ride for Sevilla by all accounts taken into consideration. The Rojiblancos went off to a poor start of the 2017/18 season which resulted in Eduardo Berizzo getting the sack in December and former AC Milan boss Vincenzo Montella taking over.

The Italian did not enjoy a smoot start to his life at Sevilla but he still managed to consolidate the club and launch a top-table challenge in La Liga. Sevilla are currently sitting in fifth place in the standings, trailing their Saturday’s rivals Valencia by eight points. Three points are the absolute imperative for Montella’s men who will also be looking to get one back to Valencia for the 4-0 defeat at Mestalla in the first part of the season. What’s more, the hosts will be looking to record their third win on the trot in La Liga for the first time since December 2017. Sevilla will be hoping to have their key players Luis Muriel, Pablo Sarabia and Wissam Ben Yedder all geared up for the forthcoming clash which bears huge importance for the hosts.

Team News

Vincenzo Montella will have a lengthy injury list to worry about ahead of the Saturday’s encounter.

Carole, Corchia, Jose Mena, Jesus Navas and Juan Soriano are all expected to miss out due to their respective injuries.

Valencia

Los Che travel to Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium in fine form which saw them collect 13 points from possible 15 in their last five La Liga matches. With their unbeaten run stretching all the way to 4 February, it’s fair to say that Marcelino Garcia Toral’s men travel to Seville in high spirits.

Valencia have been one of the most pleasant surprises in Spain this year. Despite their at times erratic form, Los Che have managed to maintain the rhythm and keep up the pace with Real Madrid in race for the third place in the standings. Sitting in fourth with only a point-deficit behind Los Blancos, Valencia still have a huge chance of finishing the campaign in respectable Champions League place. Heading into the Saturday’s match, Valencia midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia will face an emotional return to his old club. Kondogbia joined Sevilla in 2012 as an RC Lens youngster, impressing widely with skill in possession and physical ability. Forwards Santi Mina and Simone Zaza will be another two players to keep an eye on. The striking pair have 11 La Liga goals each on their tally and will be looking to extend their goalscoring exploits on Saturday afternoon.

Team News

On-loan Manchester United forward Andreas Pereira is still suffering from a thigh injury he picked in Copa del Rey against Barcelona.

Ezequiel Garay has yet to recover from his leg injury, whereas young defender Javier Jimenez Garcia is suffering from a knee problem.

Key Factors to Consider

• Fifth placed Sevilla are eight points behind Valencia in third with 11 games to go
• Los Rojiblancos are hoping to their third La Liga win on the trot
• Valencia picked up 13 of possible 15 points in their last five La Liga matches
• Santi Mina and Simone Zaza are Valencia’s top goalscorers with 11 goals each
• Valencia beat Sevilla 4-0 in the reverse fixture back in October

Conclusion

Sevilla will be under great pressure to deliver against Valencia. With only one place separating them in the standings but huge eight points between them, Sevilla and Valencia head into the Saturday’s duel in contrasting spirits which could be a decisive factor in the end.

Verdict: Draw

Best Odds: 28/11

Bookmaker: 888sport