WHEN? Sunday, October 6th, 2019 1500 EST / 2100 CET / 0500 AEST
The last time we played after a European matchday, we suffered a bitter 0-1 defeat at the RSP to league leaders Real Madrid. Now another mammoth of a fixture awaits us, this time in the form of an improving Barcelona side at Camp Nou.
It’s a trip that doesn’t conjure up much optimism. Not since the 2002/03 season have we had a league victory there. It all but confirms that we’ve been unsuccessful during the Messi era.
We even tried to injure Lionel last year, but the hoodoo still seemed to be upon us as our finishing was poor. Either that, or Ter Stegen used that match to flex on us. Luis Suárez is also back scoring goals again, so their attack may be as motivated as ever.
The squad list came out with a list of 21 players. Perhaps the most important inclusion is that of Carriço, who has led our defence to some stellar performances this season. As for the ones dropped, Rony Lopes & Dabbur are left out for technical reasons, Gómez has suffered a knock, and Bryan will be with the U19s. Some have suggested that Munir may start up top and that we see a similar lineup to that trip to Eibar. This could be a chance for him to put one on his former team.
EVALUATION
As the saying goes, to be the best, you have to beat the best… or at least hope the referee is on your side. In this case it’s Mateu Lahoz, so take from that what you will. Much can be learned about the team in these big matches. Which players will step up to the challenge and raise their level?
Lopetegui lost the Madrid job after his last visit here. What approach will he take to force Valverde’s hand? A match that is always full of drama, Barça-Sevilla feels like the right way to end this series of fixtures before the international break.
Very tough game. Never expect us to do anything against Barca. Especially at nou camp, as the record shows.
However, one positive is bar the 30 mins collapse in 2nd half at Eibar we been very good away from home this season. Therefore, I don’t think we will disgrace ourselves here but I expect Barca to still win by a 2 goal margin.
With Carriço back that will boost us though. We have all players available so if Lopetegui picks the right team and setup we could make it tough for them. Let’s just give it a go. Vamos!
I think Lope should be honest and have the players that he uses very little even in EL loaned or sold in January. We can’t keep Dabbur and destroy his career like this, it’s not Sevilla-style!
Would have played Jordán. He’s been our best midfielder so far. Plus I would have played either Chicharito or Munir over de jong. We will see what happens but don’t agree with Lopetegui’s lineup either.
If our “B” team includes: Jordan, Munir, Chicharito, Dabbur and Bono… then our B team is probably better than our A one. Lope decides who plays for the A and B team, now do the math.
To be fair, even if De Jong buries 1 or 2, we will still be defeated due to playing fire by defenders or disorganized defense, just like the first half or any other years at Camp Nou.
Something is not right. Rony Lopez not considered either.
