Best Odds: 19/20
Bookmaker:
Looking to sign off the 2023/24 campaign with a final weekend statement, Barcelona will travel to the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan when they meet Sevilla on Sunday night.
Sevilla
Starting with the hosts, while Sevilla might have marked their return from March’s international break with their sights set on mounting a genuine top-half charge, Los Nervionenses are limping their way over the finishing line. Last seen putting in another downbeat performance as they slumped to a 2-0 defeat away at Athletic Bilbao, Quique Sanchez Flores’ men have lost all of their previous three La Liga appearances. With their recent issues underlined by a shock 1-0 loss at home against Cadiz on May 15th, the former Watford boss will have an extended headache over his side’s defensive struggles. Along with enduring their longest losing run since opening the New Year, Sevilla have mustered just a sole clean sheet from any of their last six outings. Already accepting that they will have to settle for another bottom-half finish this year, Flores’ struggling squad should have another real challenge on their hands here.
Team News
Dealing with what has become a stacked injury list, Sevilla will once again be unable to call upon the likes of Nemanja Gudelj, Issac Romero, Oliver Torres and Switzerland international Djibril Sow on Sunday night. However, after serving a one-match suspension against Athletic Bilbao last week, Leicester loanee Boubakary Soumare could make a full return at the heart of Flores’ midfield here.
Notching 15 La Liga goals this season and heavily linked with a potential Premier League switch this summer, attacking ace Youssef En Nesyri will spearhead Sevilla’s charge. Expected to complete an MLS move over the coming weeks, former Real Madrid superstar Sergio Ramos will make his final Sevilla appearance this weekend.
Barcelona
As for the visitors, while there might once again be speculation over Xavi’s future in Catalonia, Barcelona are signing off the 2023/24 campaign with a real flurry. Putting in a thumping performance last weekend as they stormed their way to a 3-0 romp at home against Rayo Vallecano, the Spanish giants have already wrapped up a silver medal finish. Although Barca might not be able to boast a single piece of silverware this season, they have won four of their previous five La Liga appearances. Signing off April with an action-packed 4-2 victory against Valencia, Xavi’s men will be confident of making another statement here. Landing a 1-0 win when they last met Sevilla back on September 29th, they do hold a rampant record against the Bats. In fact, the now-former Spanish champions have won all of their previous four showdowns by an aggregate score of 8-0.
Team News
All still dealing with respective long-term injury issues, Barcelona have confirmed that the trio of Alejandro Balde, Frenkie de Jong and Gavi will not feature on Sunday night. However, overcoming a minor knock and making a brief cameo appearance last week, Uruguay international Ronald Araujo could replace Inigo Martinez at the heart of Xavi’s defence.
Coming off the bench and bagging a brace against Rayo Vallecano last weekend, midfield talisman Pedro should be handed an immediate recall here. Recording five goals in as many La Liga appearances over the past month, Polish record-breaker Robert Lewandowski will lead Barca’s attack at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.
Key Factors to Consider
