Sevilla vs Barcelona – Team News
The Hosts, Sevilla, will be without Pablo Sarabia who is suspended while Lionel Carole is ineligible to start.
Undoubtedly though, all eyes will be on Messi and whether he is going to take the field against the three-time Europa League Champions, who only recently travelled to Old Trafford and were successful in eliminating Manchester United form the most elite competition in Europe – UEFA Champions League.Messi sat out the two matches that Argentina were involved in, during the international break. The champions-elect of Spain will be sweating on the Argentine’s fitness, considering that their undefeated streak is at stake and Sevilla is a very difficult place to travel too.
Valverde confirmed injured midfielder Sergio Busquets will definitely miss out, but is expected to return in time to face Roma. Similarly, Lucas Digne, who picked up an injury in the international break, and Alex Vidal and Yerry Mina will all not be a part of the squad making the trip.Nelson Semedo is available again for Barcelona after recovering from a hamstring problem, although it may be too early for the right-back to feature at this stage, but both Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Gerard Pique should feature despite niggling knee problems.
Sevilla vs Barcelona – Probable Lineups
Sevilla (4-5-1): Rico; Mercado, Kjaer, Lenglet, Escudero; N’Zonzi; Navas, Vázquez, Banega, Correa; Muriel
Barcelona (4-4-2): Cillessen; Roberto, Pique, Umtiti, Alba; Rakitic, Paulinho, Coutinho, Dembele; Alcacer, Suarez
Sevilla vs Barcelona – Head to Head
Games Played: 160
Sevilla Wins: 39
Barcelona Wins: 87
Draws: 34
Sevilla vs Barcelona – Prediction
We predict that the unbeaten streak of Barcelona this season will go on, but Sevilla will not be pushed over easily and will prove to be a tough test for the Catalans. An even contest on paper, considering Messi looks set to miss out, we reckon all signs are pointing toward a draw.
Sevilla 1-1 Barcelona