NERVIÓN HOSTS EL GRAN DERBI, A KEY BATTLE AT THE TOP OF THE TABLE

The Sevilla derby has always attracted attention as one of the most attractive clashes in Spanish football. Of course, that was mainly down to the colour, competitiveness and rivalry between the two sides. That characteristic changed nearly two decades ago, as Sevilla began to regularly qualify for European football. This season, however, both sides are currently in the UEFA Champions League places, 2nd and 3rd, making this one of the biggest clashes between both outfits. This will also be the first derby with fans in Nervión in nearly three years, with the pandemic forcing the last two home derbies to take place behind closed doors. 

This fact will make it an even more special derby for the Sevillistas, who saw their team win the reverse fixture at the Benito Villamarín, and will now be looking to continue their strong form at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán, where they are unbeaten in the league this season. However, there are crucial players out injured, with Koundé and Ocampos suspended while Rekik is injured. Diego Carlos and Anthony Martial also face a late fitness test. All this comes less than 72 hours after the team progressed in the UEFA Europa League despite defeat in Croatia, while the team have won three and drawn once at home in 2022. 

Both teams progressed in the Europa League on Thursday night

As for the visitors, they come into the clash in one of their best moments in recent years, as they are still fighting in two cup competitions and are 3rd in the table. After scraping past Zenit in their UEFA Europa League tie, Pellegrini's side head into this match in high spirits but also have their eye on a Copa del Rey semi final on Thursday night at home to Rayo. They too have team selection issues, as Juanmi is banned, while Montoya, Camarasa, Miranda and Laínez are injured. Sabaly and Rodri are doubts.

The experienced referee Carlos del Cerro Grande, from Madrid, will take charge of the fixture. This will be the 36th time he has refereed a Sevilla FC match, with 18 wins, 11 draws and six defeats. This is also his fourth match in Nervión this season, following on from the triumphs against Villarreal and Osasuna, and the draw with FC Barcelona. In his 27 matches for the visitors, their record is 13 wins, nine draws and five defeats, but he has only taken charge of a cup win away at CFI Alicante. This is also his fourth league derby, but the other three were all in Heliópolis. Sevilla picked up a win and two draws in those clashes.