Preview: Valencia vs. Sevilla - prediction, team news, lineups

Valencia sit two points inside the relegation zone, while Sevilla find themselves five points above the bottom three, making Sunday's showdown vitally important for both sides.

Match preview

Valencia decided to part company with manager Gennaro Gattuso in January following a run of one victory in 10 league outings, ending the Italian's brief spell in the Mestalla hot seat.

However, new boss Ruben Baraja has so far failed to transform the club's fortunes, as Valencia have lost seven of their 10 matches since Gattuso's departure, taking seven points from a possible 30 in the process.

When you look at the bigger picture, Los Che have managed to win just two of their previous 14 La Liga encounters, suffering 10 defeats along the way.

The idea of Valencia playing in the second division may seem crazy to fans of Spanish football, especially those who have seen the club win both domestic and European titles since the turn of the century.

That said, only relegation-doomed Elche have suffered more La Liga defeats than Valencia's 15 this season, so few would argue that Los Che do not deserve to be two points inside the relegation zone with 10 games remaining.

Despite sitting five points clear of Valencia, Sevilla still remain in real danger of relegation having struggled for consistency throughout the campaign.

Indeed, Los Nervionenses have managed to win just eight of their 28 league matches this season, recording eight draws and 12 losses to prevent them from steering clear of the drop zone.

It is also worth noting that Sevilla have won only three of their 14 away league games this term, with a solitary victory coming in their previous nine outings on the road, so Jose Luis Mendilibar's men must improve on their travels.

On that note, Sevilla came from 2-0 down to rescue a late draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Thursday, setting themselves up for the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final showdown.

Having displayed grit and determination to snatch a draw in testing circumstances, Los Nervionenses will be hopeful of registering another positive result this weekend.

Valencia La Liga form:

W

L

W

L

D

L

Sevilla La Liga form:

L

L

W

L

W

D

Sevilla form (all competitions):

W

L

L

W

D

D

Team News

Valencia will be without the injured trio of Thierry Correia, Jaume Domenech and Justin Kluivert on Sunday, while young midfielder Nico Gonzalez is a doubt.

Edinson Cavani is expected to replace Kluivert in the starting XI, with the ex-Man Utd striker likely to join Hugo Duro and Samuel Lino in Los Che's forward line.

As for Sevilla, Pape Gueye and Marcos Acuna will miss Sunday's clash through suspension, having both seen red in last weekend's 2-2 draw with Celta Vigo.

Alex Telles is also suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards, so Karim Rekik is expected to fill in at left-back, with Jesus Corona and Joan Jordan unlikely to feature in the matchday squad.

Top scorer Youssef En-Nesyri has netted 14 goals in all competitions this season, while veteran midfielder Ivan Rakitic continues to orchestrate the team.

Valencia possible starting lineup:

Mamardashvili; Foulquier, Diakhaby, Ozakacar, Gaya; Castillejo, Gonzalez, Almeida; Lino, Cavani, Duro

Sevilla possible starting lineup:

Dmitrovic; Navas, Bade, Gudelj, Rekik; Fernando, Rakatic; Ocampos, Suso, Gil; En-Nesyri

We say: Valencia 1-1 Sevilla

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