Sevilla have full strength available and should be reasonably fresh having used quite a fringe looking side midweek in the cup. Unsurprisingly there are no changes expected on the back of the outstanding win in Sociedad last weekend. New signing Jovetić could get his league debut as a sub after making a big impact in the cup game midweek. They will have strong belief that they can win the game and that is going to be their aim, which should lead to an enthralling game because Madrid will not sit back. Sevilla have the ability to worry Real Madrid and do damage, but it could be difficult for them to outscore a more powerful attack. During the 2nd leg of their cup game it was noted that Sevilla played a stronger team and were the ones doing more of the running – this could count against them now as Madrid will have a fresher XI, which could potentially be crucial in what will be a frenetic paced contest, expected to go the full 90 minutes.
Real Madrid will make a couple of changes from the team which hammered Granada 5-0 last weekend. Sergio Ramos is a big positive in defence and he displaces Nacho on his return from suspension. Isco meanwhile misses out and this is a setback. Lucas Vasquez is a decent replacement but considering Rodriguez is also out, their attacking depth is thinner. It’s conceivable that Real Madrid would take a point from the game but they will not sit back or play for that. If however the game was all square late on then it’s a result that suits them quite nicely, so they would not be expected to take risks to win it as the clock ticks on. The 2nd leg of the cup gave an insight into how this may unfold, where Sevilla’s bold and cavalier approach almost forced Madrid to be vertical, trying to expose gaps on breaks. The same kind of match could well happen again and it would be a real treat for the neutral. Madrid have their best players back and would be even better placed to win a high scoring affair.
Verdict & Prediction
Sevilla gave a weakened Madrid team a big scare midweek and were unlucky not to win, which gives them added belief that they could win this and that will be the aim. A draw is a good result but this club has huge ambition and want a victory. They put up a typically good effort midweek against the same opponent, and so although they have been knocked out of the cup, their morale remains sky high.
Prediction : Sevilla +0.50 AH (same as double chance)
Odds: 1.87 SBOBET
