SEVILLA-VILLARREAL: GOODBYE, 2020

Goodbye, 2020. It has been a year full of conflicting emotions for Sevillistas. While the year has surely brought some positives, the social and human impact of 2020 will never be forgotten. On a sporting level, the pandemic has had a huge influence, provoking both an economic hit - one that thankfully Sevilla has been able to manage - and an impact on the pitch, with more substitutions, less rest and no fans.

2020 has shown that although the world has changed, some constants have remained, such as Sevilla's dominance in the Europa League. When we think back on this year, Sevillistas will no doubt have COVID-19 in mind, but also the sixth Europa League trophy lifted in Cologne. The year comes to an end against Villarreal on Tuesday, and 2021 starts with no other than El Gran Derbi against Real Betis in the Benito Villamarín.

2020 comes to an end this Tuesday in Nervión and 2021 will start against Real Betis

Tuesday's match sees the return, four and a half years later, of Unai Emery. Emery managed the Club from 2013 to 2016. After leaving Sevilla, he had stints in Ligue 1 and the Premier League before returning to La Liga with Villarreal CF who once more have their sights set on the higher spots in the table. The Amarillos find themselves fourth in the league and everything points to that they will be a direct rival for Sevilla this season. They come to the Sánchez-Pizjuán tomorrow without two ex-Sevillistas: the injured Vicente Iborra and Alberto Moreno. They are also without the services of Coquelin, Alcácer, and Mario Gaspar. After drawing at home against Athletic, Villarreal have three points more than Sevilla with two more games played.

Julen Lopetegui also has injuries in his squad with Tomáš Vaclík and Sergio Escudero. Fernando, recently injured, has been training with the team the past days. The Brazilian would miss out on the derby against Betis should he be booked; Nemanja Gudelj finds himself in the same situation. With six consecutive away wins under their belt, Sevilla will be looking to get back to winning ways at home following the loss against Real Madrid and the draw against Real Valladolid. César Soto Grado will referee the match.