21 September 2021, 14:18 | 28 August 2021, 15:29
The Spanish LaLiga Santander fixture, Sevilla F.C. vs Valencia CF, kicks off at 18:30 (GMT+1) on Wednesday, September 22 at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán.
Preview Sevilla La Liga, Sep 22, 2021
Preview Sevilla makes the return after Sunday’s barren draw against Real Sociedad at the Reale Arena. In a fairly equal contest, except for the ball, 53%, Sevilla put together 395 passes and took 11 shots with 4 of them on target against Real Sociedad. Having a game in hand, Sevilla remains in 6th place with 8 points after four games: 2W, 2D, & 0L. Julen Lopetegui will be in the run for a victory on Wednesday, knowing his side has a game in hand and a win would see Sevilla in the top three. An attacking 4—3—3 formation with Rafa Mir serving as the focal point of his attack is anticipated, while Erik Lamela and Papu Gomez could be positioned on the flanks. Suso is expected to make an off-the-bench appearance before the game comes to an end. Julen Lopetegui will enjoy the luxury of making his selection from a fully fit squad ahead of this midweek’s fixture against Valencia. Erik Lamela remains the club's top scorer with three goals in four appearances, which forms 60% of the club’s total goal haul.
Preview Valencia La Liga, Sep 22, 2021
Preview Valencia is third in LaLiga with 10 points after 5 games; 3W, 1D, and 1L. On Sunday, Valencia picked up their very first defeat of the season despite having the lead in the 66th minute. Both sides had seen a few clear-cut chances at both ends, but it was the Bats who drew first blood, after Hugo Duro (66’) fired a low left-footed shot which found its way into goal. But Vinicius (86'), who had made a short prayer before kick-off, probably for luck, had his prayers answered late in the second half. His right-footed shot had the keeper sold after a huge deflection redirected the ball from left to right. At 1-1 and with slightly over four minutes left to play, the iconic center-forward in the shape of Karim Benzema (88') added another goal to his haul as he condemned Valencia to their first loss of the season: WDWWL. With the defeat aside, Pepe Bordalás’ side is in fine form, bowing only to Madrid’s superior quality. Julen Lopetegui, along with the rest of the crop, will have their work cut out when the Bats come flying to the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán. A 4—4—2 formation with Gomez and Guedes is anticipated in attack when Valencia takes on Sevilla on Wednesday. Focusing on injuries, Denis Cheryshev is ruled out with a knee injury while Carlos Soler is in doubt for this fixture.