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Sevilla vs Valencia: Dawn of the New La Liga Campaign

Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan is set to come alive with the electrifying energy of La Liga’s return. As Sevilla and Valencia prepare to face off this Friday, fans, pundits, and enthusiasts are expecting a thrilling battle that transcends mere points on the table.

The Ghosts of Last Season

Sevilla’s journey last season could be likened to a roller coaster. Starting with desolate lows, they finished in the 12th position, a rank unbefitting the club’s rich history. Yet, they emerged as Europa League champions, making a bold statement to critics and showing that the heart of the Andalusian outfit still beats strong. Under the guidance of manager Jose Luis Mendilibar, who took charge in March, there’s been a notable shift in their gameplay. The tactician, with an impressive track record since joining, has been working to blend the old with the new, culminating in their resilient 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid.

Contrarily, Valencia’s narrative was nothing short of a tragic saga. They teetered dangerously close to relegation, with a heart-wrenching 16th place finish. A club with six La Liga titles to their name, last season’s performance was a stark deviation from the heights Valencia’s loyalists are accustomed to. Their recent transfer decisions, with the departure of stalwarts and only a couple of new faces, raise concerns about their game plan for the upcoming season.

Deep Dive: Tactical Analysis

Sevilla’s strength lies in their midfield. With the likes of Rakitic orchestrating plays and Jordan lending his creativity, they can effectively dominate possession and set the rhythm of the match. However, the spotlight will undeniably be on Ocampos and En-Nesyri. Their speed, coupled with technical prowess, will challenge Valencia’s defence, especially during counter-attacks.

Valencia’s concerns primarily revolve around their backline. The defence, last season, showed tendencies to crumble under pressure. But with Pepelu and Almeida holding the midfield and the exciting prospect of Castillejo, Duro, and Mari leading the attack, they can unsettle Sevilla’s defence, especially during set-pieces.

Formations and Gameplay

Mendilibar might favour a 4-3-3 formation, ensuring Sevilla have width when attacking, stretching Valencia’s defence. Ocampos and Lamela will likely hold the flanks, giving En-Nesyri the central role, perfect for headers and close-range finishes.

Valencia, under Baraja, might opt for a 4-3-3 as well, but with a slightly defensive twist. The midfield trio will focus on breaking Sevilla’s plays, and swift transitions to their young attacking triad could be their key to scoring.

The BTTS Rationale

Considering the offensive line-ups of both teams and the evident defensive vulnerabilities, this match is ripe for goals from both ends. Sevilla’s home advantage and recent form might make them favourites, but Valencia’s revamped attacking line-up is hard to ignore. Both teams have a point to prove, and this could result in an open game with plenty of chances created. Therefore, a Both Teams To Score outcome is more than just a possibility; it’s a likelihood.

The Atmosphere and Fan Expectations

While the pandemic has changed the way fans engage with football, the return to stadiums has rekindled old passions. Sevilla’s home ground will be buzzing, and with their recent European success, the fans will demand nothing less than a win. Valencia supporters, meanwhile, travel with hope, praying for a fresh start and a departure from last season’s nightmares.

Conclusion

Sevilla might have the upper hand historically and be in better form, but football, especially in La Liga, is delightfully unpredictable. As the teams clash, they won’t just be battling for three points but for pride, redemption, and the promise of a better season. And as the story unfolds at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, fans and neutrals alike will be hoping for a footballing spectacle with both nets bulging, echoing the sentiments of a fresh La Liga season.

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