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

Sevilla will be looking to reclaim third position in Spain's top flight when they continue their 2019-20 campaign at home to Real Valladolid on Friday night.

Julen Lopetegui's side are currently fourth in the table, two points behind third-placed Atletico Madrid, while Valladolid occupy 15th position, eight points clear of the bottom three.

Match preview

Sevilla are unbeaten in their last eight La Liga matches, but they have drawn four of their last five in Spain's top flight, including a 2-2 with Villarreal on Monday evening.

Lopetegui's side have enjoyed a strong campaign overall and sit fourth in the division, two points behind third-placed Atletico, who are next in action against Alaves on Saturday night.

As a result, a win for the home side on Friday would see them return to third, and a spot in next season's Champions League is very much in the club's sights at this stage.

Sevilla have actually shared the points with Levante, Barcelona and Villarreal since returning to action in the middle of June, but they will be keen to return to winning ways at the Estadio Ramon.

Valladolid, meanwhile, currently occupy 15th spot in the table, having picked up 34 points from their 31 matches this season, which has left them eight points clear of the bottom three.

Pucela finished 16th in La Liga last term, and a similar spot this time around would be deemed a success as they look to consolidate at the top level following four years in the Segunda Division.

It is difficult to imagine Sergio Gonzalez's side getting pulled into deep trouble at this stage, and they will enter this match off the back of a decent point at home to Getafe.

Valladolid have only won one of their last six in Spain's top flight, though, and will still be slightly wary of being dragged into the mix if they do not pick up a victory in their next few matches.

Sevilla La Liga form: WDWDDD Sevilla form (all competitions): WDWDDD

Valladolid La Liga form: LLWDLD

Team News

Sevilla's squad is in excellent shape at the moment in terms of injuries, with Lopetegui, as it stands, having a full complement to choose from heading into Friday's contest.

The head coach shuffled his pack for the 2-2 draw with Villarreal on Monday but there are expected to be wholesale changes for this match with Munir El Haddadi, Lucas Ocampos, Jesus Navas and Luuk de Jong among those likely to return to the starting side.

Oliver Torres could also return to the middle of the park, meaning that experienced Argentine Ever Banega is likely to drop out of the selection.

As for Valladolid, Pedro Porro and Sandro Ramirez remain doubts, but the visitors did not pick up any fresh problems in the draw with Getafe on Tuesday night.

Gonzalez has made use of his bench since the five-substitute ruling was issued, meaning that it would not be a surprise to see the same XI that started last time out again feature here.

Pablo Hervias and Kiko Olivas are among those pushing for starts, but Sergi Guardiola and Enes Unal are likely to continue as the front two in a 4-2-2 formation.

Sevilla possible starting lineup: Vaclik; Navas, Kounde, Carlos, Reguilon; Torres, Fernando, Jordan; Munir, De Jong, Ocampos

Valladolid possible starting lineup: Masip; Martinez, Salisu, Joaquin, Moyano; Suarez, Alcaraz, Fede, Plano; Guardiola, Unal

We say: Sevilla 2-0 Valladolid

Valladolid are certainly capable of making it a difficult 90 minutes for Sevilla, but we fancy the hosts to put an important three points on the board. A number of Sevilla players will be fresh for Friday's affair, and we are finding it difficult to back anything other than a comfortable home success.