Match Preview: Saturday 03/03/2007 22:00 (GMT +1): La Liga, Match Day 25
FC SEVILLA - FC BARCELONA

Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, Sevilla – Capacity: 45.000
Referee:


FC Sevilla (4-4-2): Palop - Daniel Alves, Javi Navarro (Aitor Ocio), Escude, Dragutinovic (David) - Jesus Navas, Poulsen, Renato, Duda (Adriano) - Kanoute, Luis Fabiano (Kerzhakov) - Manager: Juande Ramos


FC Barcelona (4-3-3): Valdes - Zambrotta, Marquez, Puyol, Gio (Sylvinho) - Edmilson (Motta), Xavi, Iniesta - Giuly (Gudjohnsen), Messi (Saviola), Ronaldinho - Manager: Frank Rijkaard


Match Preview:

FC Sevilla (2nd position/47 points) will meet La Liga leaders FC Barcelona (1st position/49 points) on Saturday night. No doubt, this is the big match at the weekend.


A lot of things have happened this week. While Barca celebrated their comeback in the Copa Del Rey with a fine 2-1 win over Real Zaragoza, Sevilla´s coach Juande Ramos made the headlines during this week, but for the wrong reasons. Sevilla´s coach Juande Ramos was knocked unconscious by a bottle thrown from the crowd during the fierceful derby at Betis just after his side took the league in the second leg of the Copa del Rey clash. Fortunately, Ramos has made a full recovery and is set to be on the bench for the visit of Barca at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.


Sevilla had a bad start into this year 2007 and stumbled but seem to have bounced back recently. they look in form and we will see, if the player´s are up to another performance similar to the one shown in the Super Cup Final in Monaco at the start of the new season. At home, with their passionated supporters, Sevilla is a powerful force. On a good day, the team is able to beat any opponent.


But also Barca had their own problems. Two consecutive defeats against Valencia away and Liverpool at home had to be digested, but two great performances in the 3-0 win against Athletic Bilbao and the 2-1 victory in the Copa Del Rey over Real Zaragoza gave the Blaugrana the morale boost they needed. It looks like Frank Rijkaards team hits form just in the right time to play second placed Sevilla, then Liverpool and after Real Madrid. No better timing possible!


FC Sevilla have Adriano back in the squad after missing the last four matches with a muscle injury. Italian Enzo Maresca and German andreas Hinkel both are definitely out, Maresca after straining his left leg and Hinkel with a pulled muscle.


Cameroon striker Eto'o has been nominated for the match but it is not sure, if he will start on the bench. Eto´o is expected to be rested for the Liverpool encounter and only being fielded when needed or to give him a second half run out to gain more match fitness. Deco and Lilian Thuram have both been left out by Barca coach Rijkaard, a clear signal that they will be saved for the important game against Liverpool on Tuesday. Belletti and Motta are the other two that have not been named in the squad. Edmilson, Ezquerro and Sylvinho are all back in.


My Prediction:
FC Sevilla will be under more pressure to win this game. A loss would open up a gap of 5 points to leaders Barcelona. A win would put them in the lead with 1 point. Barca could live with a draw, maintaining the two point lead.


Barca will go back to a 4-3-3 formation, trying to tighten their defence and this time it will be Barca who is waiting for the leathal strike on the break. Sevilla can not afford to sit back and wait, as they did in Monaco and Barca has got the forwards to take advantage of this.


The match will be a great test for Tuesday. If Barca wants to travel home with a result, they have to battle and give 100%.


I expect Barca not to concede and striking on one of the counter attack!


FC Sevilla - FC Barcelona 0:1



Visca el Barca!