Sevilla v Almeria – Betting Preview
Sevilla Summary
Sevilla has suffered two major setbacks in the last two weeks. Their loss at home to Osasuna was followed up last weekend by being hammered 6-1 by rivals Atletico Madrid.
Sampaoli’s future is now in real doubt due to such bad performances on top of a season already full of disappointment and underachievement.
They now face Almeria in a must win relegation battle.
They are on the same points as this opponent and a loss sees them fall into the drop zone.
The UEFA Europa League provided some welcome relief with a positive result and performance in beating Fenerbahce 2-0 midweek.
The sense in Seville however is that this is a bigger game where the win is essential to avoid deeper fears of relegation.
Looking at team news for Sevilla. They have no less than three men missing due to suspensions. Those are Gonzalo Montiel, Pape Gueye, and Fernando Reges.
On top of this, Jorge Sampaoli is without the injured Marcao, Papu Gómez and Karim Rekik.
On a positive note, the coach can recall Corona and Loic Badé.
Looking at the most significant absence of those men banned which comes at right back; Navas replaces World cup winner Montiel.
Montiel is a strong defensive player as highlighted in the graphic below, winning more defensive duels and the goals conceded much fewer when he is in the XI compared to Navas.
The former right winger Jesus Navas has the edge on passing, but defensively and overall, the forced move is a reduction to their strength.
Almeria Summary
Almería has not been able to build any momentum or positive sensations on the back of the shock 1-0 win over Barcelona a fortnight ago.
They were defeated and played off the park last Sunday by Villarreal, and begin this La Liga 2022/23 round in 18th position, in great fear of the drop.
Rubi is under strong and growing pressure, particularly after being hammered by Girona where some players gave up not long ago.
This is a vital game against a direct relegation rival in Sevilla. A win would be a great result but right now, they would take the point.
Looking at team news now. Almeria Travel to Sevilla missing the suspended César de la Hoz.
There is a big concern too over Gonzalo Melero. He is given a 50/50 chance to start.
Fernando Martínez is returning fit and Embarba should be ready to play despite missing some training due to a cold.
Betting Analysis
Looking at the 1×2 market first. Sevilla is favourite to win @ 1.90. Almeria is @ 5.00 and the draw is @ 3.85.
Moving onto the Asian handicap betting for this contest. Sevilla have done well against teams below them and so the -0.75 @ 1.91 is fair. Almeria +0.75 were woeful last weekend and so easy to oppose them here @ 1.95.
Looking at The Under/Over goal line last of all. Over 2.5 is @ 1.83 and Under is @ 1.95.
This is a must not lose game and the host will come out swinging in order to score and take control. Neither team defends well so preference is for over.
