Barcelona to strengthen grip on La Liga

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On Saturday night, La Liga leaders Barcelona can move one step closer to securing the Spanish top-flight title, as the Catalan giants travel to Andalucia to face Sevilla.

The home side are facing a battle to just hold on to a top-six spot this season after previously looking like genuine challengers for a Champions League spot.

The Andalucian side are only ahead of surprise-package Girona and Real Betis by two points in the race for the Europa League spots. In fact, Vincenzo Montella’s side could quite easily finish the weekend in eighth place in La Liga.

Montella’s team suffered a 2-1 defeat at minnows Leganes last time out in La Liga. The defeat means that the home side has now lost their last two league games following a 2-0 home defeat by Valencia in their prior game.

Sevilla’s recent home record at the Sanchez Pizjuan in La Liga is a poor one, as they have recorded just two wins from their last seven games on home soil. In fact, they have lost two of their last three home league games.

Barcelona has all but sewn up the Spanish title. The Catalan giants are 11 points clear of Atletico Madrid who occupy second place in La Liga.

Ernesto Valverde’s side are unbeaten in La Liga this season, having recorded 23 wins and six draws in the Spanish top-flight. The visitors have won 12 of their last 15 La Liga matches, including their last three outings. Last time out the league leaders recorded a 2-0 win over Athletic at the Nou Camp.

Barcelona are undefeated in their last 18 La Liga games on the road, having won six of their last eight games on their travels. The Catalan giants have also scored two or more goals in six of their last eight away games in the Spanish top-flight.

Forebet predicts that Barcelona will continue their recent good form and record a victory in a high scoring encounter.