Sevilla are next up for free-scoring Barcelona in LaLiga
Sevilla have enjoyed a positive start to the season
Last season, Sevilla finished 13th and while this was a marginally improvement on the 17th place finish from a year before, it is certainly not where the club should be.
Luis García was appointed in March and with the benefit of a full transfer window and pre-season, Sevilla currently sit fifth in LaLiga.
Wins over Rayo Vallecano and Athletic Club meant Sevilla took six points from six, before they suffered a 3-1 loss at home to Atlético Madrid a few weeks ago.
García and his men haven’t looked back following that result, however, going undefeated across their next three games.
Los Rojiblancos may have only scored nine goals across their six league matches so far, but the club has conceded six goals, ranking as the joint-best defensive record in the division.
Sevilla can find some encouragement ahead of this clash knowing they inflicted a 4-1 defeat on Barcelona last season. A similar display might be enough to keep the away side quiet.
Barcelona show no signs of slowing down
Barcelona have been utterly devastating this season, scoring 33 goals across just seven games. The Catalans average 4.7 goals per game and after netting seven against Racing Santander in midweek, Hansi Flick’s side aren’t in the mood to slow down.
Summer signings Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi have hit the ground running, registering 11 goal contributions between them, while Lamine Yamal has scored eight goals and grabbed four assists also.
It has been the form of Raphinha, however, that has made many sit up and take notice. The Brazilian has operated in a more central role this term, a move which has paid dividends indeed.
Across seven games in all competitions, he has notched 11 goals, chipping in with three assists. Although Barcelona have conceded seven goals in their last five matches, Flick appears to be going with the mantra of “if you score three, we will score four” this season.
So far, it has worked a treat. Barcelona have yet to be truly tested, however. Might that change on Saturday evening when they travel to the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán?
Team news
Arouna Sangante and Rubén Vargas are missing for Sevilla due to injury, but those are the only two absentees ahead of the game.
Both Frenkie de Jong and Roony Bardghji will be out for Barcelona, while it remains to be seen whether Joan García is fit after going off at the break against Racing last time out.
Prediction
This match could be a Saturday evening thriller in LaLiga, especially considering the form of both clubs.
Barcelona have only failed to score fewer than four goals in a game on one occasion this term and while Sevilla possess a mean defence, it is hard to see Flick’s side failing to continue their stunning form in front of goal during this match.
As such, expect Barcelona to secure another three points: Sevilla 1-3 Barcelona.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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