Back to back defeats to Real Madrid and Getafe seriously damaged Sevilla’s Champions League hopes, meaning this is a must-win game for los Rojiblancos. Meanwhile, Cordoba may have lost last three league fixtures, but they showed a great deal of promise in the process and the hosts cannot afford to take this game lightly.

Three defeats in four

Sevilla have been putting in some strong performances on all fronts throughout the first part of the season, but the recent poor run of results is threatening to ruin their campaign. With the team now sitting two points behind Champions League places, alarm bells are not on just yet, but everybody at the club is worried by three defeats in four league matches as well as the Copa del Rey exit. While nobody really expected los Rojiblancos to get anything from Santiago Bernabeu, they should have done better to avoid a defeat to Getafe, although home match against struggling Cordoba will feel as a perfect opportunity to return to winning ways. It is important to note that Sevilla suffered all these defeats on the road, while their home form remains as impressive as ever. Los Rojiblancos have 14 wins in last 16 home matches, and have won last five in all competitions, although it is clear that recent poor results acted as a major blow to the players’ confidence. They also have to be wary of struggling Cordoba, whose performances are much better than the results would suggest.

Unai Emery has some key men on the sidelines as Beto, Stephane M’Bia, Coke and Iago Aspas are all unavailable for the visit of Cordoba. Daniel Carrico, Vitolo and Aleix Vidal are back from suspension.

Cordoba will come good

For a club operating on a tight budget and rather unexpectedly gaining promotion to the elite division, Cordoba did well to reinforce the playing squad last summer and then again in January. The team have been showing steady improvement under new boss Miroslav Djukic, with back to back wins over Granada and Rayo Vallecano at the start of 2015 seriously improving club’s survival chances. Cordoba have since shared spoils with Eibar and lost next three league fixtures, but gave a very good account of themselves in all three matches, with their valiant display against Real Madrid making the headlines. Los Blanquiverdes have again squandered a one-goal lead to suffer a 2-1 loss to Almeria, but they clearly have plenty of quality up front and I wouldn’t bet against them causing Sevilla problems at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan. The shaky back line remains the biggest issue, and having been conceding goals for fun on the road this season, chances are Cordoba will not fare any better when facing los Rojiblancos.

Coach Miroslav Djukic has no fresh injury worries, but Fidel, Inigo Lopez and Luso are not yet ready to return.

Verdict

Sevilla have been a real force to be reckoned with at their Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, but they have experienced problems at the back in recent matches. Cordoba are now on a three-match losing run, but their performances are showing signs of promise and I can see them making life difficult for los Rojiblancos.

Top pick: Over 2.5 goals   1.75 (3/4) @ Ladbrokes

Alternative pick 1: Both teams to score   2.16 (29/25) @ Unibet

Alternative pick 2: Sevilla to win & both teams to score   3.70 (27/10) @ 888sport