Barcelona – Sevilla

Sevilla are very underrated ahead of their clash with Barcelona

On Sunday, 3 April, Barcelona host Sevilla at home. This match is crucial in terms of the fight for the La Liga title for Barca. The Catalans are unexpectedly back in the title race, but they could quickly lose their theoretical title chances. Barcelona are twelve points behind Real Madrid but have one match in hand. A win over Sevilla would put Xavi's team into the final stretch where they won't have to play against the big teams. In other words, we can expect an impressive winning streak from Barça. Barcelona impressed when they thrashed Real Madrid 4-0. In the last ten meetings, there has not been a single defeat. At the same time, there have been occasions when Barcelona have struggled to overcome tight defences. The best example was a goalless draw at home against Galatasaray, and it was not so easy in Turkey either. Sevilla have suffered serious setbacks this season. Lopetegui's side crashed out of the Europa League after losing to West Ham. There are no longer any illusions of title contention in La Liga, but there are some fears for a place in the top four. Neighbouring Betis are seven points behind. A defeat at the Camp Nou would revive the intrigue of this rivalry. That said, based on their level of play, Barcelona and Atlético de Madrid are unlikely to finish below Sevilla in the final table. Lopetegui's side have obvious difficulties in attack. In the last eight games, the second-placed team in La Liga has scored just five goals. Anthony Marcial's loan deal does not help either. The Frenchman has yet to produce the expected result. Alejandro Gomes gives some hope ahead of the trip to the Camp Nou. The Argentine was a key player before his injury. He is expected to return to the pitch in the next game. Among those injured for Sevilla are goalkeeper Bunu, Delaney, Mir, Acuña and Suso. The most significant is the loss of the goalkeeper. The bookmakers believe that Barcelona will easily beat Sevilla. The visitors are clearly undervalued with the odds around 7.60. In the first match, the opponents drew 1-1. At the time, Xavi was already at the helm of the team, but the coach objectively lacked quality performers. Now, many players will be back from the national team. Their condition will not be optimal. Sevilla have a motivation, and a break will certainly benefit them. In addition, the team will no longer be burdened by European competitions. Barcelona, on the other hand, need to play on weekdays, given their Europa League quarterfinal. This encounter is unlikely to be high-scoring. Sevilla are too undervalued on the line, it's worth taking advantage of.