Correa disputa un balón a Umtiti en Nervión en la 16/17

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END AN UNBEATEN RUN, BUILD MOMENTUM FOR BAYERN AND SCOUT FOR THE COPA DEL REY FINAL

31/03/2018

Sevilla FC face FC Barcelona at the start of a demanding but exciting month of domestic and European fixtures. Without Pablo Sarabia, Sevilla will need to show the same big-game fight that has seen them to a Champions League quarter-final and a Copa del Rey final that will be played against the very same opponents in just over three weeks time

Sevilla FC vs FC Barcelona is always a unique footballing experience. This year, at the edge of a blockbuster month of April, the Nervionenses are not only presented with an opportunity to end the unbeaten streak of Valverde's league leaders; are not only gifted a perfect chance to build momentum ahead of a Champions League quarter-final showdown with Bayern Munich; they are also given a unique fixture to scout their Copa del Rey Final opponents of just over three week's time. Sevilla are with a more than respectable record at the Sánchez-Pizjuán against Barcelona in the league, unbeaten in 50 of 73 fixtures, having won 30. With luck, number 31 awaits.

Victory today would mark a turn-around in Sevilla's fortunes against Barça in the past ten years, with the hosts only having triumphed twice (2-1 on both occasions) with five losses and three draws since 2008. In that sense, an exciting challenge this Easter Saturday will be just the test Montella's men need against a side who boast the same impressive numbers as Heynckes' Bayern this season and momentum that would be enough to intimidate any Copa del Rey opponent. With Sevilla still riding the high of victory at Old Trafford, though, Valverde's squad would be wrong to see the La Liga match as a simple affair.

Rebuilding the Nervión fortress has to be one more aim for a Sevilla who need to recapture form in the league

With the added incentive of rebuilding the Nervión fortress, the time has come for Sevilla to finally recapture stability in La Liga competition. After a rocky few months in domestic action and two weeks of international break which has seen both teams train without key players, losses against Leaganés and Valencia must be put in the past and Montella's men must now focus on securing European football for next season. Thirty points adrift of the league leaders, Sevilla will be clearly aware of los Culés' quality and conscious of Girona and Betis both sniffing for 6th place.

For their part, FC Barcelona are having a flawless season. Sitting on 75 points, the Catalonian side have picked up an impressive 37 on the road - where they have won eleven matches and drawn four (in the Wanda, Mestalla, Cornellá and Insular). There is nothing new to report about their two iconic figures in Messi and Suárez, with the two picking up 46 goals and 18 assists between them - an astounding 62% of Barcelona's creative outlet. At the other end, their defence is the best in the league with 13 goals conceded (6 at home, 7 away). Such is the form of Valverde's team that Saturday's result should not have much of an impact on their eventual league finish - the title close to guaranteed already. Some would not be surprised to see key figures rested for Europe, especially as Messi was already rested twice for Argentina in the international break owing to injury complaints.

Fighting on three fronts, Sevilla need to pick up points quickly if they are to secure European football for next season

Sevilla meanwhile will have to cope without key man Pablo Sarabia, with the Spanish winger banned after seeing red against Leganés for a harsh double yellow card. Navas and Corchia both have slim chances of appearances, having rejoined team training following months of injury and the Nervionenses six internationals (including an in-form Wissam Ben Yedder who made his national debut for France this international break) will all be available. The point of reference is a spirited November loss at Camp Nou (Pizarro picking up the goal), though an October 2015 win in the Sánchez-Pizjuán will be more like what Montella is looking for.

A day to see the big-match Sevilla that has secured passage to the quarter-finals of the Champions League

It remains to be seen just how successful Sevilla can claim to have been in the 2017/18 season and a crucial few weeks of fixtures will give everyone a bit more insight. If the Nervionenses are to build a historic run of results - as the fight and spirit shown throughout the season threatens they could - there can be no better start than a positive performance and result against FC Barcelona. It's a day to see a solid, focused and driven Sevilla side and a day to show the world we are a team to be reckoned with.