Sevilla will be desperate to end the barren run of results when they hist Granada on Sunday, with los Rojiblancos losing three of last five matches in all competitions. Their opponents are going through a very rough patch as well, seeing as how they are winless in last eight games, taking just three points in the process.

Back to basics

Sevilla surprised everyone with their impressive showings in the opening exchanges, with Unai Emery’s side excelling on both domestic and European stage, but the good run finally came to an end at the beginning of November. Los Rojiblancos did recover from the narrow defeat to Athletic as they defeated Standard Liege in Europa League, but the team have since continue to struggle. Home draw with Levante was followed by 5-1 loss to Barcelona at Camp Nou, while Sevilla also succumbed to 2-0 defeat to Feyenoord in Europa League. This basically means that los Rojiblancos need to return to winning ways against out-of-sorts Granada if they want to kick-start their season, and they seem more than capable of doing so. Unai Emery managed to rest a host of first team regulars in midweek’s clash at De Kuip, meaning we should see an improvement when his charges face Granada on Sunday. Prior to the unlucky draw with Levante, Sevilla had won six straight home matches, so everything suggests they will be able to rediscover the excellent home form this weekend.

Full-back Coke is banned, while Benoit Tremoulinas, Fernando Navarro and Vicente Iborra all miss out through injury.

Tough times for Granada

Granada chiefs have probably lived to regret their decision to sell key attacking outlet Yacine Brahimi in the summer, with the team facing unbelievable problems up front this season, scoring mere six goals in twelve league matches, which is by far the worst scoring record in La Liga. The back line has been far from impressive as well, conceding 17 goals so far, and it is hardly surprising that los Rojiblancos now sit just outside the relegation zone. Granada have taken just three points from last eight fixtures and having been fortunate to avoid defeats at Eibar and Celta Vigo, they have little to hope for ahead of the clash with Sevilla, despite the fact their opponents are not exactly on top of their game at the moment. Coach Joaquin Caparros has seen several important players suffer injuries over the last couple of weeks, with Ruben Rochina, Riki and Danny Nounkeu especially sorely missed. And despite showing some improvement in the last week’s clash against Almeria, Granada would have to seriously raise their form if they are to avoid defeat at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.

Ruben Rochina, Riki, Darwin Machis and Danny Nounkeu are out injured, while Jeison Murillo remains an injury doubt.

Verdict

Sevilla may not have been at their best of late, but they have got enough quality and experience to turn things around, which cannot be said of Granada. The visitors are toothless in attack and very disappointing on the road, so this should be a no contest in my opinion.

Top pick: Sevilla/Sevilla   2.15 (23/20) @ Ladbrokes

Alternative pick 1: Sevilla with -1.5 AH   2.37 (11/8) @ BetVictor

Alternative pick 2: Sevilla to win to nil   2.38 (11/8) @ SkyBet