Barca’s next game is a big clash against the Andalusian side away at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan.
The next La Liga game is a another opportunity for Xavi’s men to continue their fantastic away form. Barca play an out of form Sevilla and have a great chance to get one of the toughest games of the season out of the way before schedule gets even more brutal. Sevilla have lost some key players over the summer including CB Jules Kounde to Barca. This has been a big blow to them as they have clearly struggled since the start of this season. They have taken only one point from the first three games which is a shocking start.
SEVILLA
A club with a rich history, they are six-time winners of the UEFA Europa League which is the most of any team in competition’s history. Sevilla finished fourth in La Liga with 70 points- just three points behind Barca who had 73. They have improved under Lopetegui and will once again play in the Champions League group stages. Sevilla’s last win at home against Barca was way back in 2015.
The Coach
Sevilla are coached by Julen Lopetegui. The Spanish coach has been able to breath life into his managerial career after a disappointing stint with Real Madrid which saw him get fired just four and a half months into the job.
He prefers an attacking 4-3-3 or a 4-2-3-1 while prefering his side to keep hold of the ball. The movement of the midfield and forwards is fluid especially in the opposition half. The fullbacks overlap and midfielders switch positions several times during the game. Sevilla also use a high block with an intense press. Each player is responsible for marking one of the opposition players.
Sevilla are a well coached side who have unfortunately lost some key players. Over the summer they’ve brought in Marcao (CB), Isco (AM) and Januzaj(FW). They have a uphill task if they want to finish in the top four and guarantee UCL football next season especially with other sides looking much better this season.
Barca have lost just once against Sevilla in La Liga since the 2007/2008 season. Getting a win here is crucial and would be a massive confidence boost for the team. It is essential to pick up as many points as possible in these early stages due to the interruption of the World Cup. This will be a very congested season and Xavi will have to carefully rotate the squad and keep key players like Pedri, Lewy and Dembele fit.
It’ll be a long season but hopefully a glorious one.
Visca el Barca!
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