Sevilla have everything to lose and everything to gain on Sunday when they face La Liga’s second-place team, Atletico Madrid.
The Spanish side are three points behind Getafe for the final Champions League place and could miss out if they lose.
Manager Joaquin Caparros’ team has lost its last two games and now go to the Wanda Metropolitano to play La Liga’s best defensive team, Atletico Madrid. The Mattress Makers have allowed just 26 goals in 36 games. They sit 19 points ahead of Sevilla.
Atletico Madrid did lose at the weekend away to Espanyol. It was a very uncharacteristic performance by Diego Simeone’s team.
Atletico Madrid played its usual team with Antoine Griezmann, Thomas Lemar, Diego Godin and company in the side. Yet, with nothing to play for against Espanyol, Atletico Madrid fell apart.
Sevilla were also 3-0 losers at the weekend. Los Rojiblancos were shut out by Leganes at home. Now, they must get all three points to stay within touching distance of Getafe.
Caparros’ side has struggled when playing in Madrid against Atletico. Simeone’s team is undefeated against Sevilla in their last eight La Liga home games. The Wanda Metropolitano has been a fortress all season long for Atletico Madrid.
They have recorded 47 of 54 points at home while conceding just nine times. Atletico Madrid have kept 16 clean sheets at home allowing 0.57 goals per game.
Simeone has several players missing in action through injury and suspension. Diego Costa and Nehuen Perez are both suspended for the weekend.
Meanwhile, defender Lucas Hernandez, Borja Garces, and Jose Gimenez are all injured. Atletico have a lack of defenders which could leave Simeone shuffling his team on Sunday.
Caparros also has injuries and suspensions to worry about. Sevilla will be without Andre Silva, Daniel Carrico, and Maximilian Wober due to injuries.
Ever Banega will also miss out due to a suspension. The loss of both Banega and Silva will limit Caparros’ creative options in the team.
Five of the last six matches between Atletico Madrid and Sevilla have ended with both teams scoring. Earlier this season, the two clubs played out a 1-1 draw in Andalusia.
Although Atletico Madrid’s defence has been great at home, last weekend’s poor performance against Espanyol shows mental and physical fatigue is setting in.
Atletico Madrid will get the victory with Sevilla struggling for form, but both sides will score. Viewers should expect over 2.5 goals as the two sides play an entertaining match at the Wanda Metropolitano.