Xerez
vs
Sevilla
Match Schedule:
Date: October 31th
Time: 18:00 (GMT)
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.
Tipped as outsiders to challenge the duopoly of the Blaugrana and Los Merengues, the visitors here will have to rediscover their consistency and any slips will see the familair shrug of the shoulders from the critics.
Sevilla's emergence as a force in Spanish football could well be something that Xerez could look to copy at their own level though as careful buying and crafting a side has been behind their recent success.
The home team in this game may have a much smaller budget, but the principles of nurturing homegrown talent and attracting misfits and cheap imports could see them extend their stay in la Primera beyond on season.
RECENT FORM
Xerez
Oct 28 1-2 (h) Osasuna (Copa del Rey)
Oct 25 0-1 (a) Tenerife (La Primera)
Oct 18 2-1 (h) Villarreal (La Primera)
Oct 4 1-1 (h) Malaga (La Primera)
Sep 27 0-0 (a) Espanyol (La Primera)
Sevilla
Oct 27 4-2 (a) Atletico Ciudad (Copa del Rey)
Oct 24 0-0 (h) Espanyol (La Primera)
Oct 20 3-1 (a) Stuttgart (Champions League)
Oct 17 0-1 (a) Deportivo (La Primera)
Oct 4 2-1 (h) Real Madrid (La Primera)
TEAM NEWS
Xerez
David Prieto, Armenteros and Casado are allout as they are on loan from Sevilla and have it written in to their contracts that the may not face their parent club. If the hosts do fancy playing any of the trio it will cost them €200,000 for each player. Xerez have another four former Sevilla stars in their ranks in Antonito, Abel, Michel and Redondo.
Probable Starting XI: (4-4-2) Renan; Francis, Leandro Gioda, Aythami, Mendoza; Keita, Bergantiños, Orellana, Carlos Calvo; Maldonado, Bermejo
Sevilla
Andres Palop and Adriano are both close to making comebacks but the duo will have to wait for the Champions League encounter in midweek against Stuttgart. Frederic Kanoute, Federico Fazio, Tom de Mul and Acosta are all still out meaning that Jimenez will again have to shuffle his pack. The absence of Kanoute guarantees Alvaro Negredo and Luis Fabiano starting places, but Arouna Kone is also in the squad and could be given a chance to show what he can do.
Probable Starting XI: (4-4-2) Varas; Konko, Squillaci, Dragutinovic, Fernando Navarro; Navas, Renato, Zokora, Perotti; Negredo, Fabiano.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Renan Brito (Xerez)
On loan from Valencia, the Brazilian goalkeeper has a point to prove after being ousted from los Che's side last term by veteran Cesar Sanchez. Facing two of the best strikers in the division he will be crucial to Xerez's chances.
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
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