Sevilla, currently in 16th place, will host Athletic Bilbao, positioned 15th, in what will be Quique Sanchez Flores’ first home game as Sevilla’s head coach on Thursday.
Match Preview
Sevilla has endured a challenging season, changing managers twice. They’ve had a tough run in both domestic and European competitions.
With just three wins in their 18 league matches, Sevilla is only three points clear of the relegation zone. Their Champions League campaign ended with a bottom finish in the group stage.
Sanchez Flores started with a win against Granada but suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat in their last match of 2023.
Sevilla has struggled at home, failing to win any of their last seven competitive matches at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.
Despite Sevilla’s woes, their recent record against Athletic Bilbao is promising, with three wins and a draw in their last four encounters.
In contrast, Athletic Bilbao has had a relatively satisfying 2023-24 season, winning 10, drawing five, and losing three of their 18 league games.
They concluded 2023 with a dramatic victory against Las Palmas, extending their unbeaten run to 10 matches in all competitions.
Athletic is eyeing a return to the Champions League, trailing the top four by just three points. However, their away form hasn’t been as impressive, securing only one win in their previous five away league games.
Athletic has struggled at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan but has managed to avoid defeat in three of their last four away meetings against Sevilla.
Team News
Sevilla faces several injury concerns with Dodi Lukebakio, Joan Jordan, Jesus Navas, Orjan Nyland, Marcos Acuna, Loic Bade, Mariano Diaz, and Erik Lamela uncertain for the fixture.
Additionally, Youssef En-Nesyri is away for the African Cup of Nations with Morocco.
Athletic Bilbao’s Dani Garcia remains injured since November. Yeray Alvarez and Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta are doubtful, while Inaki Williams is absent due to international duty for Ghana.
Predicted Lineups
Sevilla: (3-4-3)
Dmitrovic;
Salas, Ramos, Gudelj;
Juanlu, Rakitic, Soumare, Pedrosa;
Suso, Ocampos, Mir
Athletic Bilbao: (4-2-3-1)
Simon;
Lekue, Vivian, Paredes, Berchiche;
Prados, Herrera;
N. Williams, Sancet, Berenguer;
Guruzeta
Prediction: Sevilla 1-1 Athletic Bilbao
Despite Athletic’s unbeaten streak, they’ve recently struggled away from home with consecutive draws. Sevilla, on the other hand, has been drawing most of their home games.
This suggests a likely outcome of both teams settling for a draw in this encounter.
