Sevilla will look forward to get back to winning ways with the Saturday’s evening clash with Real Valladolid at the Estadio Manuel Sanchez Pizjuan. A win will keep their hopes of being a strong contender for the Primera Division title fight this season.
Sevilla are third in the table after accumulating 26 points from a possible 36. Although the team has been lauded from all angles, a dreadful performance in Romania saw them slump to defeat against Unirea Urzeceni, while in the Andalusian derby against Malaga last weekend they were forced to fight back from 2-0 to steal a share of the spoils.
A victory against Valladolid could lift them above Real Madrid and into second if the capital club slip up against Almeria. That could be a significant psychological boost to a side attempting to infiltrate that dominance of Spain's overpowering duo.
Valladolid are a side desperately short of form this season and are struggling to find any momentum. Their precocious start to last season has been undone by a dreadful 2009, and a relegation battle is looking increasingly likely.
Valladolid were held to a hugely disappointing 3-3 draw at home by promoted Tenerife at the weekend after surrendering a 3-0 lead with less than 30 minutes to go.
Despite that setback, Valladolid coach Jose Luis Mendilibar insists his side have what it takes to cause an upset against Sevilla this weekend, even though he knows it is going to be tough.
Diego Costa, who scored twice against Tenerife, looks to have shaken off his injury problem ahead of the game, likewise with Marcos and Fabian Canobbio, but Pedro Lopez and Sisi are sidelined.
For Sevilla, Julien Escude and Adriano are doubts, while Didier Zokora is missing through suspension.
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