Pre-match reports

TAKE HOME FORM ON THE ROAD TO AN OPPONENT WITH A FORTRESS OF ITS OWN

26/11/2017

A clash of two teams thinking about Europe and looking to regain good form in La Liga after two demanding European fixtures

Villarreal CF vs. Sevilla FC always conjures up thoughts of two ambitious clubs fighting to succeed. Far from in vain, these two teams have grown more than any other in the 21^st century, though in Sevilla's case, this has meant more titles and honours. 30 matches have been played between the Blanquirrojos and the Yellows, with 15 Sevilla wins, eight draws and seven Villarreal triumphs.

But on Castellón soil, things could not get more even; there, the hosts have picked up five La Liga wins to Sevilla's four, with six draws and exactly 17 goals each scored. Goals have dried up in the past two fixtures, however, with the latest league games ending 0-0. Overall, in the last eight league clashes, Sevilla have a good record of four wins, three draws and one loss (2-1, two years ago).

Berizzo's side will be looking to bring their impressive home form to a difficult Castellón stage

With all to play for, Berizzo's side - after European drama - need to get back into La Liga mode and do everything to win in the Estadio de la Cerámica: a stage on which the hosts have not yet lost this league campaign and have only seen one goal conceded in five matches (against Betis). For their part, Sevilla have had a poor record away from home this season and will be looking to replicate the performances seen in their Nervión fortress as best they can.

Away, Sevilla have picked up two wins against Getafe and Girona (both 0-1) and fallen to four losses - with a goal difference of three goals scored and nine conceded. The aim will not only be to regain winning ways away from Nervión but also to fight to show that the character and soul of the team travels with them all over the country. In their recent European fixture this Thursday, Villarreal managed a 2-3 win, which alongside Sevilla's wonderful 3-3 comeback, will mean both teams come into the clash brimming with confidence. It also means fatigue could play a part.

Bakambu is the hosts top scorer (8), alongside Bacca and Sansone (3 each), who together have scored 14 of the Yellows' 19 league goals

Javi Calleja's side is still unbeaten - not just at home but in the six matches which has seen the Madrid-born boss take the reigns (four wins, two draws and three clean sheets). Villarreal's trademark this season has been the re-finding of defensive solidity and the maintenance of attacking danger. Their dangerman, without a doubt, is Bakambu, who has scored eight league goals and has picked up 44 in 100 with Villarreal. Ex Sevillista Bacca is a danger as well, alongside Sansone - who both have scored three goals this season. The three strikers have picked up 14 of Villarreal's 19 league goals. The back-lines of both sides have seen improvement in their efforts. Both have conceded 12 this season.

Sevillistas will be expecting the best of their side, regardless of the starting eleven

Both side's European fixtures mid-week could mean changes and rotations could be crucial to the result. However, beyond players and systems, Sevilla will be looking to replicate the same competitiveness seen in the second-half of Tuesday's Champions League comeback. Should they do that with success, Sevillistas should see Nervionense success on the road once again.