Barcelona must fight back from 2-0 down against Sevilla if they are to retain the Copa del Rey after losing the first leg last Wednesday, and the Big Game Focus takes a look at the game, giving you possible team line-ups, form and betting advice. Bet on the match here.
The reigning champions have made a habit of leaving themselves in this situation in recent seasons, with first-leg defeats to Levante, Espanyol and Athletic Bilbao in the last two years. However, they have not trailed by two goals in the Copa del Rey since 2006, and they have not had to come from behind against such strong opposition since they faced Sevilla in 2010.
They could not overturn the deficit on that occasion, losing on away goals as Sevilla won the trophy for the fifth time. Today’s visitors followed last week’s win with a 5-0 thrashing of Levante on Saturday, with all five goals coming in the second half. However, they have lost on their last eight trips to the Nou Camp, while their win last week was only their second against the Catalonians since 2010.
Barcelona’s superb home form leaves this game well poised. Will Sevilla’s organisation and determination be enough to keep out Messi and co?
Betting tips
The hosts have won eight of their last ten home games and are on a seven-game winning streak at the Nou Camp in the Copa del Rey. Sevilla have only won two of their last 12 away matches in all competitions, including a 4-2 defeat on this ground in October. Back a Home Win at odds of 1.25.
Over 3.5 Goals have been scored in 13 of Barcelona’s last 18 home games in the Copa del Rey. They will need to score at least twice to progress, while a goal for Sevilla would leave the hosts requiring four goals themselves. Click here for odds of 1.90 on Over 3.5 Goals.
Barcelona have opened the scoring in the first half in eight of their last ten games. Meanwhile, Sevilla have failed to score before half time in all of their last five matches. Odds of 1.50 are available for Barcelona to Score First Goal in First Half.
Lionel Messi has scored in each of his last seven matches for his club and has 22 goals in his last 20 games. He has also been on the scoresheet in three of five games against Sevilla. Bet on Barcelona’s number 10 to score again at odds of 1.45.
Team news
Samuel Umtiti is still out of action with a knee injury, while the game will come too soon for Ousmane Dembele. Jasper Cillessen will continue in his role as Barcelona’s number one in cup matches.
Having just joined Sevilla from Barcelona, Munir El Haddadi has been ruled out through injury. However, another former Barcelona player, Aleix Vidal, is likely to feature in his stead. Simon Kjaer and Gabriel Mercado are likely to start in defence as they have done throughout the Copa del Rey campaign.
Possible line-ups
Barcelona: Cillessen, Semedo, Pique, Lenglet, Alba, Rakitic, Busquets, Arthur, Messi, Suarez, Coutinho
Sevilla: Soriano, Mercado, Gomez, Kjaer, Vidal, Banega, Amadou, Escudero, Sarabia, Ben Yedder, Promes