Relegation-threatened Real Valladolid, who are on a three-match losing streak, will host mid-table Sevilla on Sunday at 16:30 GMT as they look to bolster their survival efforts.
Valladolid need to score more points in La Liga to ensure their safety from the drop, with five matches remaining in the season.
Sevilla, who are safe in mid-table, are focused on climbing into the top half of the table. They are within six points of the European places; they will be looking to make a late play for either the Europa or Conference League qualifications.
Key Highlights
Real Valladolid’s Fight to Stay in La Liga
Paulo Pezzolano and his Valladolid charges are in a prime position to secure survival in La Liga.
They are currently 16th on the table with 35 points. They are one point above 18th-placed Getafe, with five matches remaining in the season. Therefore, it is within their hands to secure survival at this stage; however, they have to keep hauling points in the remaining five matches to keep the chasing pack at bay.
Real Valladolid’s current poor form has hampered Paulo Pezzolano’s task of keeping them up in La Liga. Valladolid are on a three-match losing streak, which has seen them drop ever closer to the drop zone.
After winning back-to-back matches against Villarreal (1-2) and Girona (1-0), they have lost three on the trot against Valencia (2-1), Atletico Madrid (2-5), and last week they lost (2-1) away at Rayo Vallecano.
Paulo Pezzolano will look to get his men to bounce back to winning form as they bid to get the points they need to survive in the league.
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Sevilla’s Fight to Finish in the Top Half of the Table
Sevilla have been in relatively good form in recent matches. They have won four and lost one of their last five outings in La Liga. This upturn in form has seen them climb the table up to 11th and are on the cusp of moving into the top half.
Sevilla’s season has been bolstered by their continued involvement in the Europa League, where they are facing Juventus in the semi-final over two legs.
José Luis Mendilibar will have to balance his side for these two competitions and ensure that the players are fresh and motivated to play on matchday. Facing Juventus in mid-week is expected to impact the preparation for the clash with Valladolid, especially the squad and team selections.
However, Mendilibar considers their league position essential and will look to keep the good form going with a strong performance at Valladolid on Sunday.
Injury Report
Real Valladolid
Valladolid will miss the services of central midfielder Anuar; the 28-year-old is nursing a cruciate ligament injury. He has been out since September 22, 2022, and has missed 30 matches for the La Liga side.
Attacking midfielder Selim Amalla is also unlikely to feature in the clash against Sevilla. The 26-year-old is recovering from a shoulder fracture.
Sevilla
Mendilibar will be without right winger Suso, who is recovering from a hamstring contusion. Another right winger, Tecacito, is also a doubt for the Valladolid trip with a fever.
Sevilla will also be without center-back Marcao (muscle injury) and center-back Tanguy Nianzou (unknown injury).
Possible Lineups
Real Valladolid
J. Masip; J, Sanchez, M. Hongla, J. Yamiq; S. Escudero, K. Perez, Monchu, L. Perez; A. Aguardo; C. Larin, G. Plata
Sevilla
M. Dmitrovic; J. Navas, N. Gudelj, K. Rekik, A. Telles; I. Rakitic, P. Gueye; B. Gil, Oliver, Y. En-Nesyri; R. Mir
Prediction
Real Valladolid will look to be compact and narrow in their approach; they will mainly attack in transitions.
Sevilla will look to dominate the ball and create chances through expansive forward play and passing through the channels.
Real Valladolid will win the match and bolster their survival chances.
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