Real Madrid vs Sevilla Preview: Team News & Prediction
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Despite playing badly throughout the campaign, Real Madrid have now secured two trophies and are in the title race as they now prepare to face Sevilla at the Bernabeu this weekend.
Kick-off date/time: Sunday 22nd December, 2024: UK – 3:15pm / US ET – 10:15am / US PT – 7:15am
How to watch on TV: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN have the exclusive rights to La Liga games in the USA, so Real Madrid vs Sevilla may be televised on one of their affiliated channels
How to watch online: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN+
Real Madrid Preview: Los Blancos’ trophy haul
Carlo Ancelotti and Real Madrid won yet another trophy in midweek as they won the inaugural FIFA Intercontinental Cup by defeating Liga MX side Pachuca by three goals to nil at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar with goals from Kylian Mbappe, Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior.
That is their second trophy of the campaign after winning the UEFA Super Cup in August and, in a season in which they have been in danger of missing out on the top 24 in the UEFA Champions League as well as becoming adrift in La Liga’s title race, Los Blancos are, as ever, finding a way.
Sevilla Preview: Jesus Navas’ farewell
On an emotional day at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan in Andalusia last weekend, Sevilla legend Jesus Navas played his final home game for the club before his premature retirement due to a severe chronic hip injury but they sent him off with a victory against Celta Vigo.
In an even contest down in Seville, they eventually stole all three points mid-way through the second-half via youngster Manu Bueno’s 65th minute strike. That victory means they have now suffered just one defeat in five matches across all competitions of late.
Real Madrid Team News: Vini suspension
After recently returning from injury, Vinicius Junior is now unavailable for Madrid due to suspension. Long-term injury absentees include David Alaba, Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal with Ferland Mendy also unavailable.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Lucas Vazquez, Tchouameni, Rudiger, Fran Garcia; Fede Valverde, Camavinga; Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinicius Junior; Mbappe
Unavailable: Alaba (Injured), Militao (Injured), Dani Carvajal (Injured), Mendy (Injured), Vinicius Junior (Suspended)
Questionable:
Sevilla Team News: Jesus Navas’ involvement
Garcia Pimienta has said he is desperate for Jesus Navas to be involved in this one in what will be his final game as a professional when they travel to the Bernabeu. They are dealing with a few injury issues such as Tanguy Nianzou and Djibril Sow.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Alvaro Fernandez; Montiel, Bade, Gudelj, Kike Salas; Manu Bueno, Agoume, Saul; Jesus Navas, Iheanacho, Lukebakio
Unavailable: Nianzou (Injured), Adria Pedrosa (Injured), Sow (Injured), Ejuke (Injured)
Questionable:
Real Madrid vs Sevilla Prediction
Real Madrid’s performances have been lacklustre throughout this campaign with inconsistency in their results and yet they remain firmly in contention to win every trophy available to them this season. They welcome a Sevilla side that have Garcia Pimienta at the helm, who has perhaps become a bit more pragmatic in Seville. Madrid are favourites, especially with their home advantage, but it is unlikely to be overly convincing.
Real Madrid vs Sevilla Tip: Real Madrid to win & under 3.5 goals
