Sevilla vs Real Valladolid Preview

Sevilla vs Real Valladolid Preview

Diego Capel has warned Sevilla not to underestimate the threat posed by Real Valladolid despite their position at the wrong end of the table.

Including their dismal form at the end of last season, Valladolid have won just two of their last 23 league matches and make the trip to Andalusia stuck in the bottom six of the Primera Division, four points above the relegation zone.

In contrast, Sevilla are third in the table after accumulating 26 points from a possible 36 and a victory tomorrow could lift them above Real Madrid and into second if the capital club slip up against Almeria.

Capel is taking nothing for granted though, perhaps recalling last season's match away to Valladolid when Sevilla capitulated after going 2-0 up inside 24 minutes, Manolo Jimenez's side eventually losing 3-2 after having striker Luis Fabiano sent off in the 34th minute.

"We cannot be overconfident. The teams who are hurting are the ones that make you suffer more," Capel said.

"Maybe they aren't coming here in a great moment, but they are going to come here to play their game and they are going to make things difficult for us."

Capel looked to be the next big thing to come off the Sevilla production line when he broke onto the scene a few years ago.

However, he has found his playing time limited in recent times, largely due to the emergence of Argentinian starlet Diego Perotti.

This season Perotti has made 11 starts in the Primera Division and the Champions League, whereas fellow 21-year-old Capel has just four.

"I'm calm, I have a player in front of me who is having some very good games, but I'm never going to give up," said twice-capped Spain international Capel.

"These types of circumstances make you stronger. I'm not giving up, I'm going to continue working hard because there are a lot of games to play in."

Valladolid were held to a hugely disappointing 3-3 draw at home by promoted Tenerife at the weekend after surrendering a 3-0 lead with less than 30 minutes to go.

Despite that setback, Valladolid coach Jose Luis Mendilibar insists his side have what it takes to cause an upset against Sevilla this weekend, even though he knows it is going to be tough.

"We know how they play, with two fast and skilful wingers and strong and technically good strikers, although it is a different matter being able to counter their offensive power," said Mendilibar.

"They have the most complete squad in the league. They have strong players, technical, fast, good in the air.

"The key is to try and scare them and get into their area. Then we would have a chance of winning. I'm convinced that we are capable of creating a surprise."

Diego Costa, who scored twice against Tenerife, looks to have shaken off his injury problem ahead of tomorrow's game, likewise with Marcos and Fabian Canobbio, but Pedro Lopez and Sisi are sidelined.

For Sevilla, Julien Escude and Adriano are doubts, while Didier Zokora is missing through suspension.


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