From what was a tough loss in the Supercup, Sevilla must now focus on a new campaign in La Liga, beginning with an Andalusian derby.
After being granted a 2-week delay, it seems the league has spurned that goodwill by changing this fixture’s date from Monday to Sunday. It will be a congested start with 3 matches within an 8-day span. Lopetegui started last year avoiding much rotation in order to build chemistry in his starting lineup. It will be curious to see his approach to this match after a tumultuous 120 minutes played in Budapest.
It was evident during Thursday’s game that it would take Rakitić some time to leave his imprint on this team. What is reassuring is that Julen’s Sevilla is still solid and will make it an arduous task for any team to play against.
The squad chosen has Carlos Fernández missing the trip due to a muscle injury in his right foot, as Juan Soriano is simply omitted from the squad. Suso also makes his return against his formative club.
We face a newly-promoted Cádiz who have a certain Álvaro Negredo in their ranks, scoring his 1st for the club in their victory last week at Huesca. They will need his goals this season as only 1 player (Alex) scored more than 10 in the Segunda. Also among them are ex-cantera players Juan Cala & David Carmona.
Sevilla had goalscoring issues of their own last season. With Lopetegui’s strategy to build from the back, his plan this upcoming year may put further focus on creativity in the final third.
A good start was key to our success last season. The last league meeting between the two teams was in 2006 and finished 0-4 for the Rojiblancos. Will today be business as usual, or will the excitement of a derby takeover proceedings?
Nice we get to see starting debut of Acuña, he is an ex winger so I expect some nice wingplay. Again Jesus Navas really is like Zanetti. Great fitness.
This game I would have put de Jong tho, but all in all not a bad line up.
Suso and Navas combining well, Navas cuts back, En Nesyri smartly steps over the ball to let it go ending with a misskick from Rakitic… Should have been on goal.
I think YEN has been poor, a lot of good work around the field but when it comes to chances up front he’s been off on everything and running offside like a fool. It’s not his day but I’d leave him on, he’s got to come through it.
Suso a bit better than normal, not a lot, but something at least.
Acuña looks a really accomplished player, I wonder what else he has in his bag of tricks, maybe a good shot? He is definitely worth more than what we paid.
