La Liga: Sevilla Look for a Win in Home Finale

Sevilla vs Barcelona

Here we go! This will be the last match for both Sevilla and Barcelona in the 2024 La Liga season. These outfits are currently on opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of their recent form, and while this match won’t have any significant effect on their season standings, it still deserves a spot on the marquee.

The record seven-time Europa League winners haven’t had the season they’ve hoped for—not even close—but they have a great opportunity to give their faithful fans something to cheer about during their home finale, at the expense of the visiting Catalans.

Talking Points

Quique’s last game as Sevilla head coach

Sevilla confirmed last weekend that their manager, Quique Sanchez Flores, will depart from the club at the end of the season.

His contract was set to expire in the summer of 2025, but Sevilla chief Jose Maria del Nido Carrasco told the media that both parties have agreed on the departure of the manager.

“I want to thank him; the club was in a very difficult situation, and he was capable of turning it around with a lot of hours of work,” the Sevilla president stated in a news conference last weekend. “He achieved an objective that, although it hurts us to say it, was difficult.”

This may not come as a surprise to some, especially after a lacklustre campaign that found Sevilla in the 13^th spot on the La Liga standings at the time of writing.

On top of that, the club is going through a disastrous end to their season, losing three in a row and tallying just four points in their last five.

Luckily, Sanchez Flores and the rest of his outfit have a chance to save face during their last game of the season with a win against Barcelona in front of their home fans at Estadio Ramon. Add in a couple of La Liga 2024 highlights to give their crowd a proper bow for the 2023–24 campaign, maybe?

Barcelona’s defence is key to extend their winning streak to four

The Barcelona defence is in their best form of the entire season, rallying their team to a three-game winning streak thanks to the clean sheets they’ve been able to tally during said winning streak.

The last time the Catalans conceded goals was during their 4-2 defeat against Girona earlier in the month, but they’ve kept it neat ever since. They’ll be relying on their defence once again as they march to Estadio Ramon to face Sevilla in hopes of extending their winning streak to four games.

Unlike Sevilla, this season finale doesn’t really have that much importance to Xavi’s side, as the Catalans have already clinched the second-place finish thanks to their 3-0 win over Rayo Vallecano last week, with surprise package Girona now four points behind in third with only one game left in the season.

Overall, despite a trophyless season, Barcelona fared pretty well amidst the injuries and the then-and-current Xavi drama. The Catalans can now focus on the offseason to better their chances in the 2024–25 campaign.

History

Based on their past head-to-head results, we can conclude that Barcelona have Sevilla’s number. These La Liga staples have faced each other 59 times in over two decades across all competitions. In those games, Barcelona have won 39 times, while Sevilla have only won eight and tallied 12 draws to boot.

On top of that, the Catalans have won four straight La Liga matches against Sevilla—all clean sheets, if I may add.

In recent form, these clubs are on opposite sides of the spectrum. Barcelona have won three straight in the top flight, while Sevilla have lost three straight and haven’t been able to tally a goal since their 3-2 defeat against Villarreal two weeks ago.

Betting Tip

The La Liga 2024 betting odds at SBOTOP have spot-on prices for this clash. Thanks to their sturdy tail-end run, Barcelona are slapped as the 1.85 favourites, while struggling Sevilla are the underdogs at 3.49 with a draw price of 3.64.

My personal betting tip is to go for Barcelona’s 1X2 at 1.85. Based on their recent level of play, coupled with Sevilla’s woes, it’s easy to imagine Barcelona winning this bout, despite Sevilla having home advantage.

Another line to consider is total goals under 3.00 at 2.02. There’s a possibility that Xavi might park the bus to avoid further injuries to his squad during this non-deciding match. On top of that, Sevilla’s offence has struggled to find the back of the net as of late.

 

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