Match Preview: Sunday 23/04/2006 21:00 (GMT+2): La Liga match day 34
Sevilla CF - FC Barcelona

Sánchez Pizjuan, Sevilla– capacity: 38.300


Referee: Teixeira Vitienes



FC Barcelona (4-3-3): Valdés – Belletti, Puyol, Marquez, Sylvinho (Gio) – Van Bommel (Edmilson), Iniesta (Motta), Deco, -Giuly, Eto'o (Maxi), Ezquerro – Manager: Frank Rijkaard




Sevilla CF (4-4-2): Palop - Aitor Ozio, Dragutinovic,
Daniel Alves, Javi Navarro - Adriano, Diego Capel, J. Navas, Jesuli - Kanouté, Saviola - Manager: Juande Ramos


First matchball (out of 4) for FC Barcelona: If Barca beat FC Sevilla and Valencia does not win in Bilbao, Barca will be crowned old and new Champions of La Primera Liga. If Barca does not win on Sunday, Barca has got the next chance against Cadiz at home in Camp Nou the following week. The club officials have announced there will be no championship celebrations until after Wednesday's clash against Milan, should such a circumstance arise.


FC Barcelona travel to Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán for Sunday's game against UEFA Cup semi-finalists FC Sevilla and hopes to return as Champions of Spain. Sevilla are sixth in the table and have the best defence record at home, having conceded only ten league goals, while Barca has got the best attacking line-up, scoring 73 goals this season so far. With 53 points, Juande Ramos' side are on an UEFA Cup place and are six points away from a Champions League spot. Sevilla will be a strong test for Barça as they have won the majority of their 53 points this season in their own stadium, winning nine and drawing five games and only loosing 2 for a toal of 32 points. The record makes them the third best team at home behind Barça and Valencia who have lost only once at home this season.


The match represents Barça's first chance of mathematically securing the league championship giving the visitors an extra reason to want to take all three points. There is just the luxury question of, does Barca really want this? There are suspicions that the Barcelona officials prefer to bag the Spanish title next week at home in Camp Nou. First, so championship celebrations do not disturb the Champions League preparation for the important match against AC Milan and second, the fans would prefer to win the Championship at home. With an 11 point lead, it is up to FC Barcelona to decide.


Barca will probably rest several top stars in this match. Ronaldinho, Larsson and Oleguer did not make the trip to Sevilla because they are not considered fit. Allthough Xavi had his first full training session with the squad, was yet not called up due to lack of fitness. Barca´s coach Frank Rijkaard will also try to persuade goalgetter Eto'o who is very keen to become Europe´s topsorer this season, to take a rest before the Milan game. Maxi and Ezquerro will probably being desperate to show coach Riijkaard that they are more than just fringe players. Ezquerro and Maxi should start alongside either Eto'o or Giuly, and the duo are just as keen to play their part in wrapping up the League title, after watching from the sidelines all season. Both will be fired up, with absolutely nothing to hold back for. Barca´s midfield star Deco comes back into the team after missing the trip to Milan due to yellow card suspension. Big question mark about who will play along-side the protuguese international Deco and it will be interesting to see which other two Barca midfielder will start: Edmilson, Motta, Iniesta, or Van Bommel?

Belletti (for Oleguer) and Sylvinho (for Gio) will start despite it being an away game.


Sevilla will rest their two full-backs David and Daniel Alves and may be even Ex-Barca striker Saviola for the UEFA Cup semi final second leg against FC Schalke 04.


Our prediction: FC Barcelona will not play with a full squad because they are already focusing ahead on Wednesday´s Champions League semi final return match against AC Milan. Good to know that also FC Sevilla is planning ahead of the important game in the UEFA Cup against German side FC Schalke 04 on Thursdy.
FC Barcelona resting some key players will even this match up, and we will see a very entertaining ninety minutes. Sevilla have more to lose than Barcelona. Barca haven't lost many times this season, no matter what Barca team they have sent out. Both coaches would probably settle for a draw ahead of the game, if it would be possible. Barca can focus on Milan without celebration parties and the Championship can be won for the fans in Camp Nou next week.

FC Sevilla – FC Barcelona 1-1

Visca el Barca!


Here are the odds for the game.

FC Barcelona 2,10

Draw 3,20
Sevilla CF 3,20


To place your bet click here