Sevilla vs Arsenal Predictions & Match Preview
The Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium is set to be filled to capacity as Sevilla faces off against Arsenal in a highly-anticipated Group B matchup on Tuesday evening.
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Sevilla’s impressive performance in a 1-1 draw against the star-studded Real Madrid over the weekend has undoubtedly left their fans brimming with optimism in anticipation of Arsenal’s visit.
New manager Diego Alonso is expected to have a complete squad at his disposal, except for goalkeeper Alfonso Pastor Vacas, and Suso is likely to return to the starting lineup.
In contrast, the Gunners displayed remarkable resilience in the recent North London derby, rallying from a two-goal deficit to secure a draw against Chelsea.
Mikel Arteta’s squad is now determined to make up for a 2-1 loss to Lens. However, facing a formidable Sevilla side on their home turf, a draw seems to be a tempting wager.
Leonardo Trossard is anticipated to secure a spot in the starting eleven after scoring the equalizing goal against Chelsea, with Jurrien Timber as the sole absence in the visiting team.
Team News
Sevilla’s new head coach, Alonso, has taken charge of a squad that is almost fully fit following Mendilibar’s tenure. The only players unavailable for Tuesday’s match are goalkeeper Alfonso Pastor (knee) and striker Mariano Diaz (thigh), although it’s worth noting that neither of them would have been starters.
Alonso acknowledged that Youssef En-Nesyri, their key player, had to be substituted late in their match against Real Madrid due to fatigue. Fortunately, it seems that the Moroccan striker is not dealing with a serious issue and is expected to be back in the starting lineup.
Rafa Mir is available as a backup if En-Nesyri requires a rest, and Boubakary Soumare, who received praise from Alonso for his performance against Real Madrid, could retain his position in the midfield.
On the other side, Arsenal had only one player missing in their recent match against Chelsea, as Aaron Ramsdale was attending to the birth of his child, leaving Raya to make a few mistakes in goal.
Ramsdale is set to return for Tuesday’s match, with the only absentee being Jurrien Timber due to an ACL injury. Arteta may face pressure to reinstate Ramsdale as the starting goalkeeper, but it’s doubtful that such requests will be heeded.
In addition, both Thomas Partey and Kai Havertz are in contention to replace Jorginho in the midfield, while Gabriel Jesus, despite a lackluster performance in West London, is likely to fend off competition from Eddie Nketiah.