La Liga’s in-form duo Sevilla and Barcelona in crucial clash
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Sevilla (9/2 for victory) and Barcelona (1/2 odds-on favourites with Coral) represent La Liga’s current most in-form clubs, as they have won six and five successive matches respectively in the Spanish top-flight.
The duo have differing aspirations in the league, though, as the Bathtubs (a point behind fourth-placed Valencia) are hoping to get into a Champions League place by the end of the season, while Barca (four points ahead) are the title favourites.
On paper, this should be a close affair, so a draw is priced at 7/2. However, going on recent head-to-heads, Barcelona should find this an easy test, having not lost to Sevilla in 10 meetings in all competitions, winning their last six.
In their last three clashes, meanwhile, Catalan club Barca scored an impressive 12 goals past the Bathtubs, at an average of four per game, and you can pack them at 4/1 to net four or more again.
The reverse fixture this season at the Nou Camp ended 5-1 to Luis Enrique’s side, with Lionel Messi in particular enjoying the occasion as his hat-trick resulted in him becoming all-time La Liga top scorer.
Majestic Messi has been back on form this term, having fired in 44 times in all competitions, and he is odds-on at 8/13 to net again anytime, and 10/1 to get another treble.
Brazilian wonder Neymar also got in on the action that day, and he is 10/11 in the anytime market, while Luis Suarez, who has found his scoring touch recently too, is 7/2 to strike first. Croatian playmaker Ivan Rakitic, who netted against his old side in that 5-1 victory, is 10/3 to inflict misery on the Bathtubs again.
But Sevilla boss Unai Emery has his own prolific scorer in Colombia’s Carlos Bacca, who has 20 goals in all competitions this term. Bacca, who was rested in the 2-1 win over Levante, is a tempting 10/3 to net anytime.
In other team news, Aleix Vidal could also return for the hosts, while Barca duo Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba are in line to get back in the XI.
