La Liga returned last Thursday with a flurry of great games, but the best game of the first few weeks takes place on Friday, June 19, 2020 when Sevilla hosts Barcelona. This game will air live on beIN SPORTS at 4:00 p.m. EST. Barcelona are looking to keep their lead in the La Liga title race while Sevilla are Champions League hopefuls.
Entering Wednesday, Sevilla are occupying one of the Champions League spots thanks to earning 51 points so far this season. Sevilla sit in third place, but it is tight as Real Sociedad and Getafe are just four points back and Atletico Madrid are five points back. Atleti and Sociedad each have a game in hand on Sevilla, so it could be even tighter by the time Friday comes around.
Barcelona, as of Wednesday, sit in first place with a five-point lead over second place Real Madrid. Barca have played one more game than Madrid, so this lead could be two or four entering Friday. Real Madrid also own the head to head advantage over Barcelona, so if the two teams finished level on points the title would go to Madrid.
Below is my pick for the La Liga action between Sevilla and Barcelona. All odds are from one of our favorite Colorado Sportsbooks – BetMGM.
Sevilla (+320) vs Barcelona (-125) Draw (+280)
Sevilla took a bit of a hit in their quest for the Champions League with a disappointing 1-1 draw at Levante. The visitors dominated the game, and took the lead in the 46th minute, but an own goal in the 87th minute gave Levante a point. Sevilla are still unbeaten in eight straight games, but five of those results have been draws. Sevilla are the seventh best home club in Spain thanks to a 7-5-2 record and 26 points.
Barcelona played their first “home” game last Tuesday and came away with a comfortable 2-0 win over relegation bound Leganes. Ansu Fati netted the opener in the 42nd minute and Lionel Messi added insurance with a 69th minute penalty. Barca has now won three straight games by a combined score of 7-0. Barcelona are the third best road club in Spain thanks to a 6-3-5 record and 21 points.
Series History: These two clubs have met 171 times and Barcelona boasts a 96-25-40 advantage. Barcelona won the reverse fixture 4-0 in early October.
Game Prediction: I like Barcelona to get the win and continue their march to the La Liga title.
2020 Results: 53-39