Barcelona vs Sevilla Prediction: 20/10/2024

FC Barcelona is determined to make Kylian Mbappé’s first La Liga season difficult as they aim for their 28th national title. After 9 matches, the Blaugrana have claimed 8 victories, with their only stumble coming in a thrilling 4-2 loss to Osasuna.

However, Barcelona bounced back quickly, crushing Young Boys Bern 5-0 in the Champions League and following it up with a 3-0 win over Alaves before the international break. The Catalans, who sit atop La Liga, have already netted 28 goals in 9 matches, averaging 3 goals per game. Sevilla FC, after a slow start, finally appears to have found their rhythm.

Sevilla arrives in Catalonia on the back of a 3-match unbeaten streak in the league, with wins over Valladolid (2-1) and a 1-0 victory in the Sevilla derby against Real Betis just before the break. Sevilla endured a turbulent summer with the departures of several key players, but they’ve managed to climb to 12th place in the standings.

Barcelona’s Gavi is set to return after being sidelined for several weeks, and Frenkie de Jong has also made his comeback. However, balancing the return of these key players with those who have been performing well so far this season will be a challenge for coach Xavi.

The team will still be without Christensen, Araujo, Olmo, Fermin Lopez, Ferran Torres, and Marc Bernal (out for the season), as well as captain Ter Stegen, whose spot may be filled by Szczesny. Despite the absence of some players, Barcelona’s attacking trio of Robert Lewandowski (10 goals), Raphinha (5 goals, 4 assists), and Lamine Yamal (4 goals, 5 assists) have been on fire this season. Lewandowski recently netted a hat-trick against Alaves.

For Sevilla, midfielders Saúl Ñíguez and Djibril Sow are sidelined due to injuries, and Tanguy Kouassi will miss this match after his red card in the derby. However, players like Lucien Agoumé, Loïc Badé, and Belgian international Dodi Lukebakio (3 goals in 9 La Liga appearances) will be available for this important match.

 

Prediction

Sevilla have struggled away from home, with 15 defeats in their last 21 away matches, and have only managed to pick up 2 points from their last 8 trips. On the other hand, Barcelona has been dominant at home, securing 15 wins in their last 21 La Liga home games.

Prediction: Barcelona 3 : 1 Sevilla