While Sevilla lost a couple of star players in the summer transfer window – the most high-profile departures were that of Alvaro Negredo and Jesus Navas to Manchester City – it’s arguable that their most devastating loss will be that of young Frenchman Geoffrey Kondogbia. The highly-rated midfielder is tipped as a star of the future, and Sevilla will sorely miss the steel he provided their midfield, especially when his departure is coupled with the exit of tenacious midfield general Gary Medel, who famously butted heads (literally) with Cesc Fàbregas during a hotly-contested battle between the two sides last season.
Barcelona will look to overlook the controversy surrounding the club and continue its perfect start in the Spanish League when it takes on Sevilla on Saturday.
The team has been surrounded by a tremendous amount of tension. First former Barcelona Coach Johan Cruyff told reporters that he was backing Ajax in Tuesday's Champions League fixture because of a difference he has with Barcelona President Sandro Rosell.
"He has grown up here at Barcelona, with Barcelona's philosophy, and the team has always played with that philosophy. At the moment, it is true that, maybe, as people have already seen, there are a few more long balls, and not always playing it short, so people think Barca have changed, but I do not think there is a [big] difference," said Dos Santos according to ESPN. "The team is still playing the same way. It is true that the boss is asking us for what we lost a little last year, which was that intensity in pressing opponents, and to be more 'vertical' [direct]."
On the pitch, Barcelona has been perfect thus far. The team won its first three Spanish League matches and the Spanish Super Cup against Atletico Madrid.
Meanwhile Sevilla is looking for its first Spanish League win. The team lost 3-1 to Atletico Madrid in its opener before pulling off two straight draws against Levante and Malaga.
Prediction: Barcelona manages a 3-2 win.
Start Time: 2 p.m. EST
Admittedly, there was something dramatic about Fàbregas’ reaction, and the game itself was an entertaining affair; but most Culés would settle for a dull victory after yet another international break.
Interestingly, Barcelona head coach Gerardo Martino has opted to continue his rotation policy – this time Pedro misses out on a place in the 20-man squad – as he no doubt prepares for the start of this season’s UEFA Champions League. However, before Martino can turn his attentions to his Champions League debut on Wednesday against AFC Ajax, the Argentine tactician must first maintain Barça’s perfect La Liga record.
