Barca battle Bathtubs as Sevilla seek solace in Carlos Bacca

Interestingly, nothing separates Barcelona’s Lionel Messi and Sevilla’s Carlos Bacca in the La Liga goalscoring charts this season, with both attackers on seven strikes apiece.

Barca trail leaders Real Madrid by just two points, and are odds-on at 1/4 with Coral to win the match, having been victorious in their last five meetings against the Bathtubs. Unsurprisingly, Messi is 2/1 to net first at the Nou Camp and has hit six goals against Sevilla in his last three encounters with them.

The Argentine has recently been linked with a move away from the club at the end of his contract, though teammate Marc Bartra, 8/1 to net anytime, has his own strong views on the subject.

“I can’t imagine a Barça without Messi,” Bartra said.

“The most important thing is that he has always said he wants to be here for his whole career and that’s what I keep in mind. He has given everything for the club since he was young and thanks to him Barca has reached the top.

Speaking about rivals Real, the Bartra continued: “They bring in good signings every year and they are really strong at the moment, but it’s a very long league.”

Neymar has even been more prolific than his strike partner this term, with 12 in 14 across every domestic competition, which includes 10 in as many La Liga appearances. The Brazilian is 10/3 to break the deadlock and 11/4 to score two or more.

Bacca dispatched in Sevilla’s last away meeting, as the southern Spanish side beat Espanyol, Barcelona’s neighbours 2-1, and is 7/2 to score anytime. Meanwhile, ex-Arsenal, Real, and Benfica forward Jose Antonio Reyes is 7/1 in the anytime market and has hit the back of the net twice this season.

Aleix Vidal has been one of the bright sparks for the visitors this term, and is a danger if afforded time on the ball. As a result, he is 6/1 to net anytime.