Confident Customers
Villarreal are still a side fighting for honours on several fronts. Though they are not going to catch Real Madrid and Barcelona in the race for the Spanish crown, Champions League qualification remains a distinct possibility, while the east coast club are still very much in the mix to win the Europa League this term. The Copa del Rey, however, perhaps offers the Yellow Submarine their best chance of success.
Domestically, Juan Carlos Garrido’s side have been virtually flawless at their El Madrigal home for almost a year. Only Barcelona have won at the venue since the former reserve team coach took over in the spring of 2010, allowing the Yellow Submarine to genuinely fancy their chances against any opponent over the course of two legs.
A tough Sunday fixture away to Real Madrid did little to build the confidence of Villarreal on their travels, though the coach was broadly pleased with his side’s performance in a 4-2 reverse at the Bernabeu. He was not, however, impressed with the officials, lamenting: “There was a decisive move which made the game 3-2 in which there were two offsides. I say this because it seems to detract from Real Madrid, and that is not what I want because we have both created a very good game.”
The fixture list is largely kind to Villarreal over the course of the next couple of months, even if it is a little crowded. A busy schedule at this stage of the campaign should be deemed a sign of success, so Villarreal won’t be displeased about being well occupied but will be aiming to put this tie firmly in their favour on Wednesday evening.
Picking Up At Last?
Sevilla finished last term on a high, claiming the Copa del Rey with a victory over Atletico Madrid in the final and sneaking into the Champions League spots to boot. The Andalucians have dived sharply downhill from there, eliminated from the top tier of European competition before even meeting with one of the continent’s best and struggling for any kind of positive momentum in the league.
Gregorio Manzano was appointed in place of Antonio Alvarez early in the campaign to address pertinent issues in the side but has struggled to make the kind of impact he would wish. The winter break has been a chance for the club to collect their thoughts and start afresh, and though it’s not been full steam ahead from los Nervionenses, they have certainly enjoyed some improved form.
While wins over Osasuna and Real Sociedad ended an ugly five game losing streak in the top flight, a comfortable 3-0 win away against Malaga allowed los Rojiblancos to progress to the last eight of the cup at the expense of their Andalucian brothers.
Instead of courting success following the bright start to January, former Mallorca boss Manzano has chosen to play down the three successive wins, telling his players to refocus ahead of Wednesday night’s encounter because any lapse will lead to the team’s deficiencies once again being made clear.
Sevilla are at something of a juncture at present, though their route does appear to be becoming easier. Wednesday’s match gives them the chance to re-establish themselves in the minds of their fans as a major force.
TEAM NEWS
Villarreal
Cani may have been dismissed last weekend, but his red card has been rescinded and he is involved in the squad. Carlos Marchena, Nilmar, Marcos Senna and Angel are all injured.
Sevilla
Luis Fabiano has suffered from adductor discomfort this week, and though an ultrasound has shown there is no risk to the striker, he's not involved in the squad. Andres Palop is also missing.
Ivica Dragutinovic is training with the first team, but he won't be ready to return to action for some time yet.
Prediction
While Sevilla have been hit-or-miss on the road all season, there can be little arguing with the strong home form of Villarreal, which makes the Yellow Submarine strong favourites to claim an advantage ahead of the second leg. Indeed, it would be a shock if los Nervionenses earned even a draw from this match given their lamentable recent performances.
Villarreal 3-1 Sevilla 
