Barcelona will aim to maintain their position at the top of La Liga when they face Sevilla at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on Sunday night. The Catalan giants, led by new manager Hansi Flick, have enjoyed a strong start to the 2024/25 season, winning eight out of their nine matches. With a three-point lead at the top of the table, they’ll look to secure another victory against a Sevilla side that has had a mixed season so far.
Barcelona vs Sevilla Form and Tactics
Barcelona is coming off a convincing 3-0 win over Deportivo Alavés, and they hope to continue that form against Sevilla. Despite several injuries, the team has adapted well, with young players stepping up under Flick’s guidance. The return of key players like Dani Olmo, Fermin Lopez, and Gavi should further boost their chances.
Hansi Flick will likely stick to his preferred 4-3-3 formation. Inaki Pena will continue to deputize in goal due to Marc-André ter Stegen’s absence. The defense should feature Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde as full-backs, with Pau Cubarsi partnering Inigo Martinez in central defense. Eric Garcia is expected to start alongside Pedri and Marc Casado in midfield. Up front, Barcelona will rely on the firepower of Robert Lewandowski, supported by Lamine Yamal and Raphinha on the wings.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3):
Pena; Kounde, Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, Balde; Casado, Eric Garcia, Pedri; Yamal, Lewandowski, Raphinha.
Sevilla’s Form and Tactics
Sevilla have had a mixed start to the season, sitting 12th in the table with 12 points. However, they are unbeaten in their last three games, including a 1-0 win against Real Betis in their previous outing. Manager José Luis Mendilibar will be keen to build on this momentum but faces a daunting task against a high-flying Barcelona side.
Sevilla will miss Djibril Sow and Saul Niguez due to injury, and Tanguy Nianzou is suspended. Mendilibar is expected to set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Orjan Nyland in goal. Jose Angel Carmona and Adria Pedrosa will feature as full-backs, while Loic Bade and Kike Salas form the central defensive partnership. Lucien Agoumé and Nemanja Gudelj will anchor the midfield, tasked with breaking up Barcelona’s play and controlling possession. The attack will be led by Isaac Romero, supported by Dodi Lukebakio, Peque Fernandez, and Chidera Ejuke.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Nyland; Carmona, Bade, Salas, Pedrosa; Agoume, Gudelj; Lukebakio, Fernandez, Ejuke; Romero.
Key Stats
- Barcelona have won their last five La Liga encounters against Sevilla.
- Sevilla last won an away game against Barcelona in 2002.
- Barcelona have only lost to Sevilla once in La Liga since March 2007.
- Robert Lewandowski has 12 goals and two assists in 11 appearances this season.
- Sevilla finished 14th last season, their worst league finish since being relegated in 2000.
Player to Watch: Robert Lewandowski
Lewandowski has rediscovered his best form under Hansi Flick, scoring 12 goals in 11 appearances this season. The Polish striker will be the key man to watch against Sevilla, as he looks to continue his prolific scoring run. With his ability to create and finish chances, Lewandowski will be a major threat to Sevilla’s defense.
Prediction
Barcelona 2-0 Sevilla
How to Watch Barcelona vs Sevilla
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