Sevilla and Mallorca will play in the 9th round of La Liga at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, home of Sevilla.
What We Know
- Sevilla is undefeated at home against Mallorca in the league since 2011 (5-2-0 record since), scoring at least twice in five of their previous games.
Betting Tip: Sevilla - Mallorca
Sevilla entered the international break on a very high note, and they appear to have found their footing, both on the pitch and mentally. Mallorca’s start to the season has been very disappointing, and the team is in crisis. We like the odds of the home side winning, offered at 1.87.
- Prediction: Sevilla to win
- Odds: 1.87 (at the time of writing)
- Stake: 5
Sevilla
In a stunning performance, Sevilla dominated the match against Barcelona, winning 4-1 at a packed Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán and went into the break on a high note.
They took the lead in the 13th minute through Alexis Sánchez’s penalty after a VAR review. In the 36th minute, they took advantage of a disorganised opposing defence on a counterattack to double that lead. Barcelona scored in the stoppage time of the first half, to halve the deficit (45+7’), in their first major opportunity of the game.
After the break, Sevilla dropped back and had a bit of luck in the 76th minute as Barcelona missed a penalty. Following that, they struck twice more (90’, 96’) through superb counterattacks, turning a victory into a triumph. They also celebrated their first win against Barcelona in 11 years.
The most important aspect is that, after years, the team is emanating positive energy, a credit to coach Almeyda. This was their fourth win in the last six matches (4-1-1), reflecting clear improvement.
It’s worth noting they have scored in all eight of their opening fixtures this La Liga season. Central defender Nianzou is recovering, while forward Alfonso González remains doubtful.
Mallorca
One step forward, two steps back sums up Mallorca’s season so far, so they probably needed the break to regroup. In their latest match, they paid the price for a lack of focus, losing 2-1 away at Athletic Bilbao.
A penalty in the 9th minute put them behind, and it took them over an hour to get back. In the 77th minute, Samu Costa scored a brilliant effort to equalise, despite Mallorca doing very little in the offensive lines before that.
The team again lacked focus at the end, and coceded a second goal in the 82nd minute thanks to sluggish defensive reactions, and things went from bad to worse later on when they were reduced to ten players in the 92nd minute.
Back to losses after their first victory, the team is once again in last place. Naturally, pressure mounts on coach Arrasate, who is under intense scrutiny. They have secured only one win in the last 11 matches (plus three draws and seven losses), and now seek their first away victory since April 19.
Midfielder Antonio Sanchez is suspended, while centre-back Kumbulla and midfielder Mascarell are close to full fitness. Forward Asano remains out, while captain Dani Rodriguez has returned to training after a disciplinary absence.
