Sevilla are looking for their first win as they host Girona in the La Liga. The La Liga champions, who hold the Europa League, are currently in 18th place in the standings after losing to Valencia and Alaves in their opening two games. Girona, however, are up in fourth place after earning four points in their initial two games.
Preview (Sevilla vs. Girona)
Last season, Sevilla finished in 12th place in La Liga. It was their lowest rank since going down at the conclusion of the 1999-2000 campaign. However, they saved their season by winning the Europa League and qualifying for the Champions League this year. On August 16, Los Nervionenses played Manchester City in the UEFA Super Cup. Although the game ended in a 1-1 draw, Los Nervionenses ultimately lost on penalties. The team led by Jose Luis Mendilibar has also lost its first two league games. They lost 4-3 to Alaves on Monday night after losing 2-1 to Valencia at home on August 11.
Rafa Mir scored a consolation goal in the 97th minute after Sevilla had fallen behind 4-2 after conceding three times without answering near the conclusion of the first half.Rojiblancos will be motivated to break their losing streak in this game, but they have lost all three of their La Liga encounters with Girona, including a 2-0 loss in the previous season’s rematch. In contrast, Girona finished 10th in La Liga last season, which was a joint-highest finish for them. They have also had a good start to this season.
Indeed, the White and Reds earned a valuable point against Real Sociedad on the opening weekend of the new campaign before defeating Getafe 3-0 in their most recent match to increase their point total to four, which has put them in fourth place in the standings. Artem Dovbyk, Daley Blind, and Yangel Herrera are among the newcomers for Michel’s team this summer. The latter proving to be their biggest acquisition. Ramon Terrats and Oriol Romeu have both left Girona for Villarreal during the current transfer window.
The Catalan side only won three away league games last season. They will be visiting a Sevilla outfit that had the third-worst home record in Spain’s top flight in 2022-23.
Team News
Youssef En-Nesyri has had a good start to the season for Sevilla, scoring twice so far. However, the Moroccan international may not play in this game because he is currently widely connected with a transfer to English club West Ham United. Additionally, Gonzalo Montiel has since transferred to Nottingham Forest. On Saturday, Mir might replace En-Nesyri in the lineup. Adria Pedrosa is also vying for the starting spot.
Alexander Callens, Borja Garcia, Santiago Bueno, Ibrahima Kebe, Joel Roca, Ricard Artero, and Toni Villa are now all injured for Girona, which also has a long injury list. Despite intense competition from recently acquired Dovbyk, Cristhian Stuani is set to keep his position as center-forward after scoring twice in the victory over Getafe. Ivan Martin would once again start in midfield if head coach Michel decided to stick with the starting lineup from the three-goal victory the last time out.
Sevilla 1 – 1 Girona
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