Sevilla vs Real Valladolid preview

December 2, 2012
By: Nemanja Lazarevic

Sevilla hope Copa del Rey victory over Espanyol will be just the boost they need to kick-start their league campaign, whereas Real Valladolid go into this game high on confidence after climbing to the top half of the La Liga standings.

Los Rojiblancos may have started the season in bright fashion, but their dismal showings on the travels soon saw the team slip from the European places.

Sevilla produced some excellent showings at their Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, outplaying both Real Madrid and Barcelona in the process, while also recording a 5-1 victory over arch rivals Real Betis.

However, team’s performances on the road have left a lot to be desired, with los Rojiblancos losing last four away games in La Liga.

Given that Sevilla return to home comforts for the clash with Real Valladolid, odds of 1.80 (4/5) offered at Coral on home win do look tempting.

The only problem is that boss Michel faces a genuine selection headache, with Federico Fazio, Emir Spahic, Antonio Luna and Ivan Rakitic all suspended.

On top of that, Piotr Trochowski, Alvaro Negredo and Manu del Moral miss out through injury, while Alberto Botia is doubtful.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Palop – Cicinho, Botia, Maduro, Navarro – Medel, Kondogbia – Navas, Perotti, Reyes – Diawara.

Real Valladolid surprised everyone by gaining promotion to the elite division while the club were in serious financial problems, and Pucela continue to impress.

Despite only signing several players on a free transfer during the summer, Miroslav Djukic’s side enjoyed a very good start to the league campaign, having climbed to the top half of the standings.

Weekend’s victory over Granada saw the team create a seven-point advantage over the relegation zone, meaning they go into this game without any pressure.

Considering Sevilla’s severe selection problems, maybe there is some value in backing Real Valladolid not to lose at odds of 2.15 (23/20) offered at William Hill.

Henrique Sereno is back after recovering from a shoulder injury, but Jesus Rueda and Lolo Coronado are both doubtful.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Hernandez – Rukavina, Rueda, Balenziaga, Pena – Perez, Rubio – Ebert, Gonzalez, Omar – Manucho.

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