Sevilla v Barcelona - Preview and possible line-ups
On Saturday night, the Wanda Metropolitana will play host to the Copa del Rey final between Sevilla and Barcelona. We look ahead to what is certain to be a thrilling showdown.
Sevilla:
After an unexpectedly strong Champions League run, Sevilla have shown that they're capable of performing on the big stage. After going 2-0 up against Barcelona in La Liga earlier this season, Sevilla's minute-long lapse in concentration saw Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi claw back a draw at the death. If they manage to stay focused on Saturday, there's no reason they can't beat the runaway league leaders.
Despite having Simon Kjaer (knee) and Sebastien Corchia (groin) on the injury list, Vincenzo Montella will still have all his stars to pick from.
Barcelona:
Currently sat on a 12-point cushion at the summit of La Liga, Barcelona will put their league duties aside to try and secure their first trophy of the season. Should they emerge victorious, this will be their fourth successive triumph in the tournament that they have come to dominate in recent years. A win would give the fans something to cheer about after their shock Champions League exit perpetrated by a determined Roma side.
After resting a plethora of integral players in Tuesday's tie with Celta Vigo, Ernesto Valverde is likely to field a full-strength side. A daunting prospect for the opposition.
Sevilla defender Gabriel Mercado:
"If I whack Messi, I won't be able to return to Argentina!"
Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde:
"To win with Barcelona is an obligation, the Champions League, LaLiga, the cup and this is always the way with big teams."
Did you know?
Sevilla have won just one of their last 21 encounters with the Catalan heavyweights.
Copa del Rey run:
Sevilla: Catagena (7-0 agg.), Cadiz (4-1 agg.), Atletico Madrid (5-2 agg.), Leganes (3-1 agg.)
Barcelona: Real Murcia (8-0 agg.), Celta Vigo (6-1 agg.), Espanyol (2-1 agg.), Valencia (3-0 agg.)
Possible line-ups:
Sevilla: Soria; Navas, Mercado, Lenglet, Escudero; Banega, N'Zonzi; Sarabia, Vazquez, Correa; Muriel.
Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Semedo, Umtiti, Pique, Alba; Busquets, Rakitic, Iniesta, Coutinho; Suarez, Messi.