Real Madrid host Sevilla in what should be the biggest game of this weekend’s La Liga clashes. It is a story of one club overachieving and one underachieving as both sides are level on points after 19 games.
That is a far cry from where Real would want to be as they lie 10 points behind Barcelona and five points behind Atletico Madrid.
Both sides will also be keeping a close eye on fifth-placed Alaves, who sit just one point behind the pair.
Julen Lopetegui was sacked by the Madrid giants and replaced by Santiago Solari, but the team haven’t looked great under the Argentine.
Sevilla are punching above their weight but their title hopes took a battering after a surprising loss against Athletic Bilbao last weekend.
Both sides will be in midweek action for the Copa del Rey but Real face several problems regarding their players.
Real should be slight favourites for the clash since they play at home, and to get an idea of who has the best chance of winning you can check La Liga betting odds at 888sport.
Team news
Karim Benzema is set to miss the Copa de Rey tie against Leganes with a broken finger, and it is to be seen if the Frenchman will play a part against Sevilla.
Los Galacticos have several stars such as Marcos Llorente, Gareth Bale, Marco Asensio, Toni Kroos and Thibaut Courtois all carrying knocks, and Solari will have to mix things up again as the giants face Sevilla.
The away side face Bilbao in the second-leg of their Copa del Rey tie and could line-up with Munir El Haddadi starting against Madrid.
The striker was signed from Barcelona recently and played a few minutes in the 2-0 defeat at the hands of Bilbao.
Maxime Gonalons and Nolito are also carrying knocks while Roque Mesa would miss the tie due to suspension.
Prediction
Both teams have struggled to string victories with Real needed an 89th-minute winner to defeat Real Betis in their previous game.
Sevilla have won just one of their previous four La Liga games, and it seems their exploits in the Copa del Rey and the Europa League is taking their toll on the players.
The away side got the better of Real 3-0 in the earlier meeting this season, and this will be another test for Solari as he looks to keep the home side chasing Barcelona.
Sevilla have done well so far this season, and if Real do not have enough senior players back for this tie, the Andalusians could be in for another three points against their more illustrious rivals.