Sevilla FC's Rollercoaster Season
Sevilla FC, a club steeped in history and success, finds itself in a precarious position this season. Currently sitting 11th in the La Liga table, their campaign has been marked by inconsistency, with a record of 7 wins, 5 draws, and 8 losses. Their recent 2-1 victory against Girona offered a glimmer of hope, yet the team's overall form remains a concern. A significant issue has been the underperformance of Kelechi Iheanacho, a high-profile signing from Leicester City, who has struggled to find his footing in Spain, scoring only 3 goals this season. This has led to speculation about his future, with potential transfers or loans on the horizon. Off the field, Sevilla is dealing with the arrest of defender Kike Salas on suspicion of spot-fixing, adding to their administrative woes.
Deportivo Alaves' Battle Against Relegation
Deportivo Alaves, currently languishing in 18th place, is fighting to climb out of the relegation zone. Their recent 1-3 loss to Real Betis highlighted their defensive vulnerabilities, exacerbated by the injury to key goalkeeper Antonio Sivera. With Sivera sidelined, Jesus Owono steps up to fill the gap, a daunting task given Sivera's impressive record of 49 saves and 3 clean sheets this season. Despite these challenges, Alaves has shown resilience, with players like Kike and Vicente Robles contributing significantly to their goal tally. The return of defender Garces from loan is a positive development, but his ability to adapt quickly to La Liga's demands will be crucial.
Historical Context and Head-to-Head Analysis
Historically, Sevilla has had the upper hand when playing at home against Alaves, winning 9 of their last 14 encounters. However, recent meetings have favored Alaves, who have lost just once in their last five matches against Sevilla. The most common result between these two teams is a narrow 1-0 victory for Sevilla, but the current form suggests a more competitive clash. Both teams have shown a propensity to score, with Sevilla netting 24% of their goals between the 46th and 60th minutes, while Alaves scores 25% of their goals in the final 15 minutes.
Prediction and Betting Insight
Given the current form and historical data, a draw seems the most likely outcome, with both teams expected to score. Sevilla's home advantage is tempered by their defensive issues and Alaves' recent resilience. The absence of Sivera could be a turning point, but Alaves' ability to adapt and score late goals keeps them in contention. The projected odds for a draw are 3.40, while the likelihood of both teams scoring is priced at 1.80. This match promises to be a tightly contested affair, with both sides eager to secure vital points.