Barcelona are looking to maintain their perfect start in La Liga under Ronald Koeman when they welcome Sevilla this Sunday (8pm kick-off).
After enduring a tumultuous summer that saw yet another managerial change, Barça have responded well by winning their opening two league games against Villarreal and Celta Vigo with a combined scoreline of 7-0.
It remains to be seen whether they’re able to mount a serious title challenge given all the noise still coming from the Camp Nou. But as long as they have a focused and hungry Lionel Messi you have to consider them among the favourites, and he enjoys playing against Los Nervionenses.
Julen Lopetegui’s men head to Catalunya in similar form, 100% after two matches, but unlike their hosts, Sevilla are yet to hit their stride in front of goal managing four goals across the wins over Cadiz (3-1) and Levante (1-0).
Can they spring an upset?
Where to watch Barcelona vs Sevilla on TV:
- UK: LaLigaTV
- US: beIN SPORTS
Where to live stream Barcelona vs Sevilla:
UK: Bet365* are streaming this match live for account holders. Those without a Bet365 account already who are interested in streaming Barcelona vs Sevilla live can take advantage of this service by following the simple steps below.
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Barcelona & Sevilla’s previous line-ups:
- Barcelona (vs Celta de Vigo): Neto; Roberto, Piqué, Lenglet*, Alba; F. de Jong, Busquets; Griezmann, Coutinho, Fati; Messi.
#Culers! Here’s YOUR starting XI for #BarçaSevilla! pic.twitter.com/gamnRsuJsS
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) October 4, 2020
- Sevilla (vs Levante): Bono; Navas, Koundé, Diego Carlos, Escudero; Fernando Reges, Jordán, Rakitic; Ocampos, L. De Jong; Munir.
Clement Lenglet serves a one-match suspension after seeing red in Barça‘s win over Celta Vigo earlier in the week. Ronald Koeman must also do without up to four players including starting goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen and centre-back Samuel Umtiti, both remain unavailable for the foreseeable future. Sevilla, meanwhile, are sweating on the fitness of three players: Bryan Gil, Carlos Fernández and Pablo Pérez are doubts.
Players to watch:
- Barcelona: The departure of Luis Suárez wasn’t universally appreciated by Barça supporters who felt the powers that be were pointing the finger in the wrong direction. Although Uruguay’s all-time leading marksman is no longer a menace, he still finished as the club’s second top scorer (21) behind Lionel Messi (31) last term, meaning someone else needs to step up in his absence. Fortunately there is an individual under Koeman‘s watch doing just that. After the club’s opening two La Liga games no one has netted more than Ansu Fati (3), which is a higher total than the rest of his teammates combined (2). The 17-year-old forward registered against Villarreal and Celta Vigo and will fancy his chances of making it three consecutive games on the scoresheet this weekend.
- Sevilla: Chances are Sevilla will be predominately on the backfoot. They have enough going forward to concern Barça, but they need to play this sensibly. Even though noises from the Camp Nou suggest it’s not quite a harmonious atmosphere, the former champions remain potent and if the Andulusians are not careful, they could be in for a world of pain. So, all eyes will be on their rearguard, and flanks where Jesús Navas now operates. A winger once upon a time, the Spanish international can now be found at right-back, he’s likely to be up against the aforementioned Fati so far no one has managed to dribble past him.