La Liga Preview: Xerez - Sevilla

Sevilla will be hoping to make up ground on the top two, but their hosts may have other ideas...

31-Oct-2009 5:24:50 AM

More On :  Sevilla, Xerez
Sevilla (MARCA)
Kick-Off: Saturday, October 31, 2009. 20:00 CET
Estadio Municipal de Chapin, Jerez


Staying Put

As local derbies go, this one will not be the most hotly anticipated of the season, but for the home side they will see this as a great chance to make their name in the top flight of Spanish football.

Don't Miss

Xerez became the 59th team to play in Primera Division when they unexpectedly won promotion last season to take their place among the big boys for the first time in their 62-year history.

Predictions were immediately made that the team would make a straight return to the lower echelons, and they have done little to convince anyone that those were wrong.

But there has been some hope for Cuco Ziganda's team, who have managed to secure five points, with two wins and a draw, and are above neighbours Malaga in the bottom three.

After failing to score in their opening five matches, an own goal saw them hold Malaga and then some incredible defending by Villarreal allowed Xerez to beat them.

Normal service has been resumed in the past two matches, with defeat at Tenerife in the league and at home to Osasuna in the Copa del Rey. However, all that will be behind them as Sevilla visit as thoughts turn to an upset.

Euro Distractions

Sevilla will certainly have other ideas, but their biggest problem could be complacency - they will consider themselves as clear favourites to take all three points.

Having won their opening five matches, Sevilla have now not scored in their last two league outings. They were beaten by Deportivo a fortnight ago before coming up against Carlos Kameni and Espanyol last Saturday.

Manolo Jimenez's side are still in touch at the top, lying three points behind Real Madrid and six adrift of league leaders Barcelona.

Rotation may be the key on Saturday as Jimenez will want his best side to ensure that they are not on the wrong end of a surprise.


RECENT FORM

Xerez

Oct 28 LOST 2-1 (h) Osasuna (Copa del Rey)
Oct 25 LOST 1-0 (a) Tenerife (La Liga)
Oct 18 WON 2-1 (h) Villarreal (La Liga)
Oct 4  DREW 1-1 (h) Malaga (La Liga)
Sep 27 DREW 0-0 (a) Espanyol (La Liga)

Sevilla

Oct 27 WON 4-2 (a) Atletico Ciudad (Copa del Rey)
Oct 24 DREW 0-0 (h) Espanyol (La Liga)
Oct 20 WON 3-1 (a) Stuttgart (Champions League)
Oct 17 LOST 1-0 (a) Deportivo (La Liga)
Oct 4  WON 2-1 (h) Real Madrid (La Liga)


TEAM NEWS

Xerez

Captain, Jesus Mendoza is doubtful after failing to train with the squad due to injury. In-form goalkeeper, Renan is nursing abdominal pains but he is expected to make a full recovery in time.

Probable Starting XI: (5-3-2) Renan; Francis, Leandro Gioda, Aythami, David Prieto, Armenteros; Alex Bergantinos, Moreno, Viqueira; Carlos Calvo, Bermejo

Sevilla

Frederic Kanoute is a serious doubt for the clash as he is suffering from heat-stroke and carrying a minor niggle which kept him out of the league game last Saturday and the midweek Copa del Rey clash. Renato is back after shrugging off his muscle ailment and there's more good news as goalkeeper, Andres Palop makes a long-awaited return. Tom de Mul, Lautaro Acosta and Federico Fazio are all likely to miss out due to injuries.

Probable Starting XI: (4-2-3-1) Palop; Konko, Squillaci, Escude, Fernando Navarro; Duscher, Zokora; Navas, Renato, Perotti; Negredo


PLAYERS TO WATCH

Emilio Viqueira (Xerez)

The veteran midfielder can strike a ball, has vision and great technique and could be key to the home team obtaining a creditable result from this encounter.

Alvaro Negredo (Sevilla)

Scored twice for Spain in his last appearance and has to continue to prove himself at club level after announcing that even if Real Madrid do try and buy him back, he may refuse to return.


PREDICTION

The only realistic way that Xerez will take anything from the game is if they score early and hold on or are able to keep Sevilla out and snatch a late winner. Any punters out there looking for an outsider though maybe disappointed as the visitors should win this comfortably.

Xerez 0-3 Sevilla

Lucas Brown, Goal.com

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