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Two of Spain’s most storied clubs, Sevilla and Valencia, will face off in a crucial La Liga clash at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at 8 PM UK time. Both teams are enduring difficult seasons, with Sevilla sitting 14th in the table and Valencia languishing in 19th, just above the relegation zone. This match represents a vital opportunity for both sides to secure much-needed points and kickstart their campaigns.

Sevilla, once a regular in the top four, have struggled in recent years, finishing 14th last season – their worst since 1999-2000. Valencia, meanwhile, are in danger of dropping out of La Liga for the first time since 1986-87. With both teams desperate for a win, this promises to be a fiercely contested encounter.

Team Analysis:

Sevilla:

Sevilla’s decline has been stark. After finishing in the top four for three consecutive seasons between 2019 and 2022, they have slipped into the bottom half of the table. Under new manager Garcia Pimienta, Sevilla have shown glimpses of improvement but remain inconsistent. Their record of 6 wins, 4 draws, and 8 losses from 18 matches leaves them 14th with 22 points, just 7 points above the relegation zone.

Sevilla’s last league outing ended in a 4-2 defeat to Real Madrid, followed by a shocking 4-1 loss to Almeria in the Copa del Rey. However, their home form has been relatively strong, with 16 points from 9 matches at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan. Key players like Lucas Ocampos and Youssef En-Nesyri will need to step up if Sevilla are to secure a vital win.

Injuries have been a concern, with Kelechi Iheanacho, Djibril Sow, and Rafa Mir among the doubts for this match. Pimienta is expected to make changes, with Jose Angel Carmona and Lucien Agoume likely to return to the starting lineup.

Valencia:

Valencia’s struggles have been even more pronounced. Sitting 19th with just 12 points from 18 matches, they are in serious danger of relegation. Manager Carlos Corberan has found it difficult to turn things around, with Valencia winning just 2 league games this season. Their recent 2-0 victory over Eldense in the Copa del Rey offered a glimmer of hope, but they followed it up with a 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid in La Liga.

Valencia’s away form has been particularly poor, with no wins on the road in La Liga this season. Key players like Hugo Duro, who has scored 5 goals in 15 league appearances, will need to be at their best if Valencia are to secure a positive result. However, injuries to Fran Perez, Jose Gaya, and Mouctar Diakhaby have weakened their squad.

Head-to-Head and Past Encounters:

The rivalry between Sevilla and Valencia has produced some memorable encounters. In their last 10 meetings, Sevilla have won 4, Valencia 3, and 3 have ended in draws. Valencia won the corresponding fixture 2-1 last season, but three of the last five meetings have ended in draws. Sevilla’s last win over Valencia came in March 2023, with a 2-0 victory at home.

Prediction:

This match is finely balanced, with both teams desperate for points. Sevilla’s home advantage and slightly better form give them the edge, but Valencia’s determination to avoid relegation makes them dangerous opponents. Expect a closely contested game, with Sevilla likely to edge it.

Goal.mu/Mauri.bet predicts: Sevilla 2-1 Valencia

Betting Tips:

• Both Teams to Score: Yes
• Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over
• Anytime Goalscorer: Youssef En-Nesyri (Sevilla)
• Hot Stat: Sevilla have picked up 16 points from 9 home matches this season.

Possible Lineups:

Sevilla: Fernandez; Carmona, Bade, Gudelj, Salas; Lukebakio, Agoume, Lokonga, Idumbo; Sanchez, Romero
Valencia: Dimitrievski; Foulquier, Tarrega, Mosquera, Gasiorowski; D Lopez, Guerra, Barrenechea, Rioja; Duro, Almeida

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