Alavés may be nervously looking over their shoulders at the La Liga relegation zone, but a trip to Andalusia to face Sevilla could be the perfect assignment to ease those fears.
Match News and Current Form
Sevilla’s strong start to the season is at risk of unravelling after a 3-1 loss to Getafe served as their third defeat in five league matches (W1, D1). A leaky defence that conceded 3+ goals in four of those games shoulders a large portion of the blame for that nosedive, but Los Nervionenses still have more points (17) at this stage than in any of the last four seasons, so there is still plenty of room for optimism. A return to home comforts, where Luis García Plaza’s men have won three times (L2), should come as a boost, although a mere one victory from their last eight Friday-held La Liga games (D4, L3) serves as a huge note of caution.
Alavés’ miserable run continued as they suffered their joint-heaviest defeat in over six years by losing 6-1 to Barcelona last weekend. Quique Sánchez Flores’ men have now slumped to within two points of the relegation zone after going seven matches without success (D2, L5), and supporters would be forgiven for having little hope of a revival here, given their side haven’t won on the road this term (D2, L3). But a glimmer of hope perhaps comes in the timing and location of this game, as Alavés have won three of their last seven Friday night away fixtures in the top flight (D1, L3), while they’ve also picked up points in six of their last eight away games against Andalusian teams in La Liga (W3, D3, L2).
Head-to-Head History
Sevilla have lost just two of their 15 La Liga meetings with Alavés at Estadio Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán (W8, D5), but they are currently on their longest-ever winless home run against them (D3, L1).
Hot Stats and Streaks
Sevilla have won a league-high 141 tackles this season.
Sevilla have dropped a league-high ten points from winning positions this term.
Alavés have been caught offside a league-high 35 times this season.
Alavés have scored 75% of their away league goals this campaign after the 75th minute.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Sevilla’s Lucien Agoumé has won a league-high 27 tackles this season, including at least two in five of his last six outings. Three of Mariano Díaz’s four strikes this term have come after being introduced as a second-half substitute, while his eight goal involvements are the most for an Alavés player at this stage of a La Liga season this century.
Sevilla will be without the suspended Manu Bueno, while Isaac Romero is a doubt. Long-term absentees Mikel Rodríguez and Facundo Garcés remain sidelined for Alavés.
For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre.
Betting Analysis
Recent form and H2Hs seem to be conspiring against Sevilla, so Draw/Alavés in the double chance market could be worth considering.
Author: Matt Jones