SEVILLA ATTEMPT TO IMPROVE ON THEIR RECENT RECORD IN VITORIA

Because of the eagerness of the start of the league and the good feelings around securing 7 out of 9 points, the international break seemed to come at an opportune time for Sevilla FC. They do, however, return to league action today in a notoriously difficult place for them, the Mendizorroza. In fact, they have only ever registered one victory in the top division, which came 18 years ago. The attached statistics show how difficult it is to play in Mendizorroza, and which reflects how it is somewhat of a fortress for Alavés. A statistic that Sevilla FC will hope to put an end to this season. However, it will prove very difficult as Alavés have made an unbeaten start to the league campaign this year, with two draws and only conceding one goal. 

Alavés have always proved to be a difficult opponent, and are a team with a very clear game plan and will most likely let Sevilla have most of the ball, forcing them to do something with it. Without presuming too much, the statistics from the opening three league fixtures show that Alavés are the team with the least amount of possession. This contrasts with Sevilla who never shy away from having the ball. Undoubtedly, it will be fundamental that Sevilla make the most of this possession, and that they make the most of their chances. On the other hand, Alavés have shown they are more than capable of punishing any team who visits the Mendizorroza. Lopetegui has already stated that they are prepared for Alavés to play a few different set ups in defence, however, the most likely is that they will play with a back four.

Alavés are the team who have had the least amount of possession in LaLiga so far this season

With respect to absentees, the only one confirmed by Alavés is Burgui, who is recovering from a cruciate ligament tear. Besides this, Garitano won't really have to make too many changes to his team; even less so in attack where Joselu has already scored twice for the side. And if we're speaking about absentees, the most notable for Sevilla would be Nolito. although starting in the first three league games, he is ruled out of today's match. Someone who is back in the squad is Ocampos who has overcome his injury in recent days. Moreover, Chicharito, who makes the squad for the first time, is looking to make his debut after recently returning from international duty with Mexico. 

It is still to be seen whether the gap left by Nolito will force major changes to starting XI, after the absence of Ocampos against Celta led to the first change to the starting XI of the season. Every player will be looking to keep the good run of form going, especially Joan Jordán who, going quite unnoticed at times, has proved to be a key piece of Sevilla's midfield. Furthermore, his record against Deportivo Alavés is rather favourable. In four games played against them, he's scored twice and made one assist. These are statistics that he can't boast against all his opponents and will prove to be an extra point of motivation for the young centre-midfielder.

Nolito is ruled out for Sevilla, while Garitano is unavailable for Alavés

Jordán has been instrumental for Sevilla so far, who currently lead the way in turning over the ball this season. In fact, only Real Madrid are equal to them, with a total of 174 ball recoveries in these first three league games. Sevill will hope to continue this as they go in search of getting 10 points out of a possible 12 to stay as close to the top of the table as possible. After today, Sevilla will make the long trek to Baku during the week to play in the Europa League, before returning home next week to face Real Madrid in Nervión.  

The referee for this game will be Alejandro Hernández Hernández. The last time he officiated a Sevilla game was the last derby in the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán. Before that, he refereed the draw in Butarque before the winter break, and obviously the match against Real Madrid at home last year, which Sevilla won 3-0. The VAR will be co-ordinated by Adrián Cordero Vega.