Sevilla will aim to continue their resurgent form when they host leaders Barcelona, and Hansi Flick would like a foothold in the title race.
Sevilla have come back from a difficult start to the 2025/26 La Liga season, which was something of a continuation of their previous campaign, and their next challenge will be reigning champions Barcelona. Matias Almeyda’s side have rallied back from their opening two defeats to win the next three out of five.
Girona, Deportivo Alaves, and Rayo Vallecano were the teams Sevilla defeated during this run, and the Sevilla manager would like the form they are in ahead of the test with Barcelona. Last season was their worst in a long time after finishing 17th, and while avoiding a relegation dogfight will be at the back of Sevilla’s minds, they could potentially stake a claim for a much higher spot.
Meanwhile, Barcelona must overcome the disappointment of their midweek Champions League defeat. PSG came out as 2-1 winners owing to a late goal from Goncalo Ramos. Hansi Flick would have seen it as a big blow to their Champions League objectives, as a top-eight finish remains the priority.
Last weekend, they managed to overcome Real Sociedad, and Real Madrid’s loss in the Madrid Derby ensured the Catalan giants finished the match weekend as leaders. Flick would like his players to switch their attention towards La Liga and get away from the Champions League disappointment, as the league is promising to grow into an intense title race.
Team News & Tactics
Sevilla
Sevilla are without a few key stars, as Alfon Gonzalez and Tanguy Nianzou are out of contention to take on Barcelona this weekend. Additionally, here are further doubts with Joan Jordan and Adnan Januzaj.
Chilean star Alexis Sanchez is in line to face his former side. Matias Almeyda will retain a back three of Fabio Cardoso, Marcao, and Cesar Azpilicueta. Batista Mendy and Lucien Agoume will settle in the central midfield berths.
Jose Angel Carmona and Gabriel Suazo will essay the wing-back roles. Finally, Isaac Romero will lead the line for Sevilla against Barcelona, with Sanchez and Ruben Vargaas operating behind in the creative roles.
Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): Vlachodimos; Cardoso, Marcao, Azpilicueta; Carmona, Agoume, Mendy, Suazo; Sanchez, Vargas; Romero
Barcelona
Hansi Flick has his share of injury issues, with Fermin Lopez, Joan Garcia, and Raphinha are unavailable for selection. Star man Lamine Yamal has also been ruled out with another pubic issue. He could end up missing 2-3 weeks, and Flick must find a solution to his unavailability.
The injury issues will probably lead to Robert Lewandowski being called back into the side, while Marcus Rashford and Ferran Torres can take up with wide roles. Dani Olmo will play around the front three, with Frenkie de Jong and Pedri managing the midfield behind him.
Pau Cubarsi and Daniel Araujo will form the central defensive pairing, with Wojciech Szczesny deputising for Joan Garcia in goal. Finally, Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde will take their spots in the full-back areas.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Szczesny; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde; Pedri, De Jong; Torres, Olmo, Rashford; Lewandowski
Key Stats
Sevilla have won three of their last five games in La Liga.
Barcelona are unbeaten in La Liga this season.
Barcelona have won 22 of their last 25 matches in La Liga.
Barcelona have won their last seven matches against Sevilla in all competitions.
Player to Watch
Ferran Torres
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The resurgent Spanish international has come up clutch for Barcelona last season, as Flick continues to utilise his versatility in the final third. However, with the injury to Yamal, it opens the doors for Torres to play key games on the right wing. Hansi Flick hopes he can make a decisive contribution, but it will be difficult to replicate what Yamal does.
Torres can play in multiple front-three positions, and he could be the key man in the attack for Barcelona. There is pressure of the 2025/26 La Liga title race and the UEFA Champions League, and Torres has in him to put in game-changing displays.
Prediction
Sevilla 1-2 Barcelona
Sevilla have enjoyed some resurgence in their season, something their manager will hope to carry on into the Barcelona tie. However, the challenge ahead is quite tough, with the Blaugrana steadily establishing themselves as the main contender.
Barcelona have key injury issues, but Hansi Flick can use the existing players to their potential and collect the points away from home. There are some concerns about their defence, but even if they do not manage a clean sheet, a slender victory could be on the cards for the reigning La Liga champions. The Hard Tackle predicts a 2-1 win for Hansi Flick and his charges.