Sevilla vs Atletico Madrid: La Liga Preview and Prediction

Sevilla are all set to host Atletico Madrid in a battle for the third position in La Liga at Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium, tonight.

In the last La Liga fixture, Sevilla drew 1-1 against Valencia away from home and find themselves in the fifth position after 11 games. While Atletico drew 1-1 away to Alaves and are currently in the fourth position with the same games played as Los Nervionenses.

The two sides are just two points off the league leaders Barcelona and one point below second-placed Real Madrid. Both Los Blancos and the Blaugrana have played one game less than Sevilla and Atletico, which means that this is a crucial fixture for both sides.

Real Madrid and Barcelona haven’t been on top of their game this season and that provides an opportunity to the other Spanish clubs. Both Sevilla and Atletico would like to win this game and reduce the points gap with the Spanish giants.

Key Battles:

Lucas Ocampos vs Renan Lodi

Lucas Ocampos has been one of the best players for Sevilla this season. The Argentine is the leading goal scorer for his side with four goals and has also provided one assist in his 10 appearances so far. Ocampos along with Chicharito can create problems for the visitors.

Renan Lodi, on the other hand, is going to be in front of Ocampos. The Brazilian has been decent so far. He is averaging two tackles per game and 0.9 clearances per game.

Ocampos will try to cut inside using his pace, but it will be difficult as Lodi will try to stop him. The Brazilian will try to push the Argentine towards the wing and cut off his space. This battle is going to be interesting as both the players would like to find an edge.

Jules Counde vs Alvaro Morata

This is another exciting battle as Alvaro Morata will take on Jules Counde. Who will get better of whom? Well, it is going to be neck to neck battle and it is tough to predict it for now.

Counde is averaging 3.3 clearances per game and 0.5 tackles in every fixture in his six La Liga appearances this season. While Morata is the leading goal scorer for Atletico with three goals and an average of 2.3 shots per game.

Los Rojiblancos have struggled to find the back of the net, which means the pressure in this battle is going to be more on the Spaniard. The Frenchman, on the other hand, will try to stick to his position and provide no space to Morata.

Prediction

Sevilla have won their last five matches at Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium while Atletico are undefeated in their last 10 competitive games. It makes this fixture more interesting as the two sides are coming into this game with high confidence and will surely give their everything for three points, tonight.

Los Nervionenses are currently on four-game unbeaten run while Atletico are dropping points every week. Also, with Stefan Savic and Jose Gimenez sidelined from this fixture. The defensive line is going to face a lot of problems.

After considering everything, I believe that both sides will find the back of the net, however, none of them will clinch three points, tonight. Also, I’m expecting Angel Correa to score a goal in this crucial fixture.

Predicted score: Sevilla 1 – 1 Atletico Madrid