At first glance, a match between Sevilla and Espanyol might not seem like a must watch match, but a closer examination reveals this La Liga match-up should be on your watch list this weekend. It's a battle between the 7th and 8th place clubs in the league and a big opportunity for either side to pick up important points in the race for a Europa League spot.
Sevilla Vs. Espanyol, 2012 La Liga, Week 18: Two Teams Going In Opposite Directions
Saturday’s match-up between Sevilla and Espanyol features two teams going in the complete opposite directions.
The two team’s recent league results have been moving in virtually the opposite direction. Sevilla is mired in a three match losing streak and was knocked out of the Copa del Rey in the midweek. Meanwhile Espanyol is riding high on a three match winning streak in the league and a thrilling 5-4 aggregate victory over Cordova in the Copa del Rey. The question for this weekend is whether Sevilla can turn things around or will Mauricio Pochettino’s men will offer a friendly wave as the Periquitos pass them in the table.
Sevilla recent injuries have had a lot to do with their struggles, though they are starting to get healthier. Marcelino García Toral will be missing defender Fernando Navarro thanks to a yellow card accumulation suspension, but leading scorers Manu returns from a one match ban and midfielder Jesus Navas should be ready to go despite carrying a knock. Frederic Kanoute is still a doubt, but is expected to make the bench.
Espanyol should be riding high after last minute equalizer against Barcelona last weekend earned them a huge draw against their Catalan rivals. Not all is happy though for Pochettino as he’ll be missing Felipe Mattioni, Javier Marquez and goalkeeper Cristian Alvarez.
The first choice keeper suffered a muscle tear, which means unknown Kiko Casilla will be tasked with keeping Sevilla off the scoreboard. Sergio Garcia will be out as well, serving a yellow card suspension on Saturday.
Sevilla vs. Espanyol
Game Date/Time: Saturday, January 14, 12:00 p.m. ET, 6:00 p.m. local
Venue: Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, Seville, Spain
TV: GolTV (USA and Canada)
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