We’ve gone from playing one of last year’s worst teams in La Liga to playing Europe’s best, while starting very similar lineups, and still managing to show 2 different sides. Perhaps the Supercup Final was at the forefront of the players’ minds, and stronger competition will generally raise one’s standards. We did not see such a stark contrast in commitment when Mendilibar took over back in March. Circumstances were different then, as are the challenges of a new season, with a squad still taking shape in the final stretch of the transfer window. So then, which Sevilla will show up in Vitoria?
Loic Bade has still traveled with the team while waiting on a gameday decision on his red card from last week. Realistic signs point to Gattoni making his starting debut, as Marcao suffered another (!) injury setback, with Nianzou still nursing a hamstring injury. The lineup may look similar to the previous week’s, as the fringe players, and even the ones rumoured to be transfer listed, haven’t seen any game time.
We have seen success away to Alaves before, but have dropped points in 4 of the last 6 league matches, with Mendilibar engineering a 0-0 draw as the head coach the year they went down. The Basque team returns to the top flight after a season in the Segunda, hoping to win their first 3 points in the home opener. Can Sevilla shake off the cup final defeat and show their European pedigree at the Mendizorroza?
#NuncaTeRindas
#WeAreSevilla