The reigning Spanish Champions, Barcelona, have been in a scintillating form in this campaign. This season they would be eyeing to defend their title successfully. The league leaders are 7 points clear at the top of the table and this away game is the nearest obstacle that they need to conquer. This contest becomes more crucial for Barcelona as we approach the business end of the league and the visitors can’t afford any slip-up as it will give their opponents a chance to catch up with them. Messi & Co will look to dominate the pitch as they have done this season in almost every league game. However, their backline is still fragile which can cause enough problems for the Catalans.

On the contrary, Sevilla needs to get a positive result in the upcoming match against Barcelona to keep their Champions Leagues hopes alive for the next season. Playing against a world-class attacking team is always going to be difficult whether you play at home or away. But the home side can look to threaten their opponents with their blistering pace and quick counter-attacks. We have often seen that Barcelona tend to put the bodies forward during an attack and concede a goal when they lose possession. Currently, Sevilla has taken the fourth spot just one point ahead of the fifth-placed Getafe. The hosts would be hoping to land a counterpunch against the team that knocked them out in the Copa Del Rey Cup.

Game details

Date: Saturday, 23 February 2019

Time: 08:45 PM IST

Venue: Estadio Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium, Seville

League: La Liga 2018-19

Live Telecast: Sony Network

Online Streaming: Sonyliv (Website, App)

Recent Form

Sevilla – L D W L W

Barcelona – D D D W D

Team News

Sevilla

Aleix Vidal and Nolito have been ruled out with injuries. Roque Mesa will also miss the match due to suspension. Pablo Sarabia and Wissam Ben Yedder are fit to join the squad back.

Barcelona

Rafinha, Cillessen, Arthur and Thomas Vermaelen will remain unavailable because of their respective injuries. Samuel Umtiti is set to make a comeback after an ankle injury. Coutinho might miss out again due to his poor run in form. Dembele might replace him in the playing XI.

Key players

Barcelona

Lionel MessiLuis SuarezGerard Pique

Sevilla

Ben YedderE. BanegaVaclik

Probable Playing XI

Sevilla: Vaclik; Gomez, Kjaer, Mercado; Navas, Sarabia, Banega, Vazquez, Escudero; A Silva, Ben Yedder

Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Semedo, Umtiti, Pique, Alba; Vidal, Busquets, Rakitic; Dembele, L Suarez, Messi

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