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FC BARCELONA
Roman Sanchez Pizjuan,
Saturday, 11 April 2015, 2000 CET
FC Barcelona will face in-form side Sevilla at Roman Sanchez Pizjuan tonight and Luis Enriquea s men will have to work extra hard to secure all three points against Unai Emerya s men as the home side is on a winning streak of five straight games and are unbeaten at home since April 2014.
Sevilla have emerged as the serious contenders for the Champions League spot in La Liga this season as they are just one point behind fourth placed Valencia in the points table. The Andalusians are looking in great touch at the moment and they would be eager to secure another famous win over FC Barcelona tonight.
FC Barcelona are four points ahead of Real Madrid in La Liga but this match day offers Los Blancos a great hope as Blaugrana face a tricky away trip while they have a relatively easy task at their hands. Sevilla are certain to give FC Barcelona a run for their money tonight and the Catalans would have to work extra hard if they want to come back with all three points from Roman Sanchez Pizjuan.
Team News And Tactical Brief
Sevilla
Sevilla management changed the look of their squad in the summer as many of their first team regulars, like Ivan Rakitic and Alvaro Moreno, left for the pastures green. But coach Unai Emery has done a wonderful job with them this season as they have a realistic chance of qualifying for the Champions League next season.
The four attackers of Sevilla, Vittolo, Vidal, Ibborra and Carlos Bacca, has performed extremely well this season and they have the ability to cause all sorts of trouble to the FC Barcelona defence.
The Los Hispalenses are currently on a remarkable streak of five consecutive victories in La Liga but Unai Emery has said that he is motivated to face FC Barcelona tonight.
“The challenge of taking on Bar a attracts and motivates me. I always think about winning no matter who our opponent is. I hope it’s a great game and that we see an excellent Sevilla performance,a said the Sevilla boss in a press conference.
“Enrique is doing a great job and you can see that in their play, regardless of whether their possession has increased or decreased. Theya re in a very good place at the moment.”
The home record of Sevilla is enviable as they are unbeaten at Roman Sanchez Pizjuan this season and Los Hispalenses would be keen to keep that record intact against the best team in the competition tonight.
On the injury front Sevilla boss Unai Emery only has goal keeper Beto as a high profile absentee, with the coach otherwise having the luxury of a fully fit squad to choose from.
Predicted Starting Lineup (4-2-3-1)– Rico; Coke, Carrico, Pareja, Tremoulinas; Mbia, Krychowiak; Vidal, Iborra, Vitolo; Bacca.
FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona players will have to prepare themselves for a difficult outing against Sevilla tonight s their hosts are looking in a great shape.
the attacking trident of Leo Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez has performed really well in the new year and they seem to have formed a great understanding amongst themselves of late. This is certainly a great news for Luis Enrique and for tonighta s clash also, he will not expect anything less than a match winning performance from his star strikers.
Ahead of tonighta s crucial clash, there is some good news on the injury front for FC Barcelona as Jordi Alba is back while Sergio Busquetes returns from a one match ban.
Meanwhile, the form of Dani Alves is a reason for worry for coach Luis Enrique. Dani Alves has refused to extend his contract at FC Barcelona and his poor display against Celta Vigo might prompt Luis Enrique to use Martin Montoya at his expense tonight.
During his press conference ahead of the game, Luis Enrique admitted that Sevilla are going to prove tough opponents and FC Barcelona will have to work extra hard to secure a win.
“Wea ll have to play very well to beat them,” said Luis Enrique.
“Sevilla are one of the most complete teams in La Liga, and the standings prove it.”
Predicted Starting Lineup (4-3-3)- Bravo; Montoya, Pique, Mathieu, Alba; Iniesta, Busquetes, Rakitic; Suarez, Messi, Neymar.
Players To Watch Out For
Luis Suarez
Of late, Luis Suarez has formed a great understanding with Neymar and Leo Messi. Luis Suarez was again on target for FC Barcelona as he scored a brace against Almeria in the midweek. He will have to play a big role tonight if FC Barcelona is to get all three points against their in-form hosts.
Carlos Bacca
Carlos Bacca has 17 goals and 5 assists to his name this season and he has the ability to trouble the in-form defence of FC Barcelona. The Colombian will have to score if Sevilla want to win against mighty FC Barcelona tonight.
Score Prediction
Sevilla 2-2 FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona have looked in good form in the new year but Sevilla are also on a winning streak of 5 straight games. The hosts are enjoying a great season under Unai Emery and expect them to give a tough time to FC Barcelona tonight.
BLAST FROM THE PAST
