La Liga: Sevilla and Villarreal Aim to be Rocking Again

Sevilla vs Villarreal

Now here are two La Liga clubs who really know how to rock the boat when it comes to the ‘aristocracy’ of Spanish football.

Yes, Real Madrid and Barcelona remain well out in front of everyone else – and so they should given their size and budget.

But, like Atletico Madrid and Valencia have managed before, Sevilla and Villarreal have also upset the apple cart on more than one occasion.

Any team which can give the big boys a bloodied nose and enjoy success – Sevilla have won the Europa League six times between 2006 and 2020 and Villarreal won it the following year, defeating Arsenal and Manchester United in the process – deserve respect.

They go head-to-head this weekend, a distance apart in the table but perhaps closer than ever on the pitch and with recent form for both suggesting momentum is being reached just as the business-end of the campaign approaches.

Talking Points

It has been a season of limited La Liga highlights for the hosts who have found themselves in the unusual position of fighting to stay up.

However, the past month has brought an upsurge in form as they have dealt admirably with league duties and the Europa League, a competition they crave so much.

In fact, Sevilla are unbeaten since the appointment of old-school, straight-talking coach Jose Luis Mendilibar – Jorge Sampaoli was last month relieved of his duties as head coach after just five months and 31 matches in charge.

While the home side have pulled eight points clear of the drop zone and should now have more than enough to survive, Villarreal are sitting in sixth position in the final European berth.

Yet they really would prefer to reach fourth spot and the money-spinning Champions League, a competition they reached the final four of last term.

Furthermore, they also know any slip-up may be pounced upon by the chasing Athletic Bilbao so need to bounce back on Sunday night after slipping to a 2-1 defeat at home to Real Valladolid last weekend – a loss which ended a six match unbeaten run.

Gerard Moreno and Francis Coquelin continue to miss out with injury, although towering midfielder Etienne Capoue is widely expected to return after missing last weekend’s surprise and potentially costly defeat.

Quique Setien’s charges should be fresher, in theory, with a week to prepare for this while Sevilla were locked in Europa League quarter-final combat with Manchester United.

They will be flying high, though, as they eliminated United with ease on Thursday night to continue their unbeaten run since the change at the top.

That competition is their main priority now and they await Italia giants Juventus in the semi-finals next month.

That’s not to say Sevilla won’t want to maintain their fine form and get some more domestic points on the board and more daylight between the bottom three between now and then as they quickly climb to midtable respectability.

While the Andalusians know a triumph in that competition will see a return to the Champions League next term, Villarreal also know their sole route is via a top four finish.

On the team news front, Marcos Acuna is banned for the hosts but Pape Gueye and Alex Telles, on loan from United, are available again after suspension.

History

Sevilla have a good recent record against Villarreal and have won 22 out of the last 47 matches played between the two teams, as opposed to the ‘Yellow Submarine’s’ 11 victories.

The last two games have finished 1-1, both in the Castellon province.

Earlier this season, Alex Baena and Oliver Torres traded goals.

Last season it was a late show as Giovani Lo Celso put Villarreal ahead four minutes from time before Jules Kounde grabbed a last minute equaliser.

The corresponding fixture last term saw Sevilla edge home 1-0 – Lucas Ocampos the marksman.

Betting Tip

Villarreal have the edge with the SBOTOP La Liga betting odds.

You can back them 1X2 @ 2.51 and Asian Handicap -0.25 @ 1.89.

Sevilla are on offer 1X2 @ 2.56 and Asian Handicap +0.25 @ 2.01.

Another 1-1 draw is available @ 5.40 with Correct Score, while goal options include over 2.50 @ 2.05, Total Goal 0-1 @ 3.10, 2-3 @ 1.90 and 4-6 @ 3.80.

This to me has another draw written all over it as Sevilla aim to move closer to safety and Villarreal seek a top four finish.

As a result, I am opting for a ** prediction of 1X2 Draw @ 3.20.

 

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