After an embarrassing 1-4 loss to Celta Vigo, Barcelona have looked good with two back-to-back wins against Las Palmas (La Liga) and Bayer Leverkusen (Champions League). Now, Barca have a chance to make it three-out-of-three as they prepare to face Sevilla at Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán on Saturday.
Sevilla have also not been performing as expected. They have lost three out of their last four games in all competitions as a result of which, they languish at the 16th position in the La Liga. Sevilla have won only one game in the La Liga this season, so, they need a big game against Barcelona to lift their fans, who have been left disappointed with such results.
Even Barcelona manager, Luis Enrique is surprised with Sevilla's performance this season.
"Knowing their squad, and their coach, I am surprised how they have started," Luis Enrique told reporters.
"It reinforces the theory that winning is difficult. We have seen in other years that teams have played in the Champions League and have dropped off. This will not happen to Sevilla, but they do have plenty of problems."
Sevilla have a number of players in their ranks such as Fernando Llorente and Yevhen Konoplyanka, who, when on a song, can destroy top teams in the league. With players of such quality, one is astounded as to how they have only scored five goals.
Though Barcelona are at the third position of the La Liga, they have not hit top form, at least, in front of goal. They have scored 11 goals so far, which is not what fans expect from a team that includes Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi and Neymar.
To make things worse in the offensive front for Barcelona, they are going to miss the services of Messi, who is set to be out of action for at least 6-7 weeks. The onus now primarily falls on Suarez and Neymar. Apart from Messi, Rafinha and Thomas Vermaelen have also been ruled out for the fixture.
Barca manager, Luis Enrique, expects a tough game against Sevilla.
"Missing many players but these things happen, and all teams past through moments like this. It is part of football. I expect a difficult game, the last game in a run of seven games in 21 days with tiredness building up. It will be difficult, given the opponent, and the situation we are in. [But] I do not hide behind injuries or suspensions. I have blind faith in my team," Enrique told reporters.
Luis Suarez has handled the responsibility well enough in Messi's absence and the Uruguayan needs to once against turn up at Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, which has been regarded as one of the most difficult stadiums to play.
Where to watch live
Sevilla vs Barcelona La Liga clash has been scheduled for 4pm local time (7.30pm IST, 3pm BST, 10am ET) start. Viewers in India can watch the game live on Sony Six HD and Sony Kix with live streaming online on Livsports.
Viewers in Spain can catch the match live on Canal+ Liga/HD
Audience in the USA can watch Sevilla vs Barcelona La Liga live on Bein Sports, with live streaming option on Bein Sports Connect.
Viewers in the UK can watch the Sevilla vs Barcelona La Liga match live on Sky Sports2/HD with live streaming option on Sky Go.
