Sevilla will take on Girona on Sunday, 1 September in a match between two sides who haven't started the new season as well as they would have liked.
Sevilla are a side who have traditionally always operated towards the top of La Liga but they have managed to pick up just two points from their opening three matches and they will need to start finding wins and fast if they are to avoid a repeat of last season's dismal showing.
Girona finished inside the top four last season but have also made a stuttering start to the new campaign. Player sales haven't helped them but they would still have hoped to be on more than four points after three matches.
How the bookies view it: Sevilla given the edge
Despite finishing eleven places below Girona last season, Sevilla are considered the team most likely to win on Sunday. A Sevilla win has been priced at 13/10 with Betfred while a Girona victory has been priced at 15/8. The draw, which wouldn't be a huge shock given Sevilla's form so far this season, has been priced at 13/5.
Recent head-to-head: Girona dominance
The recent head-to-head record between these two teams heavily favours Girona, which won't come as much comfort to Sevilla fans who are hoping to see their team win for the first time on Sunday. Girona have won their last five matches against Sevilla, a run that featured a 5-1 battering in their most recent meeting.
Sevilla's last win over Girona came in 2018 when Ever Banega and Pablo Sarabia both got on the scoresheet in a 2-0 victory.
Players to watch: Battle of the new boys
Both Sevilla and Girona have new players leading their respective lines this season with Kelechi Iheneacho signing as Sevilla's new number nine and Abel Ruiz being brought in by Girona.
Neither player was signed with lofty expectations. For starters, Iheneacho was brought in on a free transfer after a patchy couple of seasons at Leicester. The Nigerian only managed to score five goals in the Championship last season and injuries are a concern. However, beyond all that, there is unquestionable talent there and he could explode at any moment.
Abel Ruiz was a signing that raised eyebrows in Spain. The Spaniard was never the most prolific striker at Braga during his five-year stint in Portugal and his best goalscoring season saw him return just eight league goals. However, he scored his first goal for Girona last weekend in the 4-0 win over Osasuna so he could yet prove the doubters wrong.
Predicted line-ups
Sevilla are missing two key players for this one which won't help their cause. Suso is still recovering from a knee injury while Saul Niguez will miss out due to suspension. Girona are missing three players of their own in the form of Richard Artero, Valery Fernandez and Jastin.
Sevilla: Nyland – Carmona, Nyland, Salas, Pedrosa – Lokonga, Juanlu, Agoume – Lukebakio, Ocampos, Romero
Girona: Gazzaniga – Frances, Lopez, Blind, Gutierrez – Romeu, Herrera, Martin – Tsygankov, Gil, Ruiz
Anything else catch the eye?
Sevilla seemed to strip things back last week after conceding two goals in their opening two matches and despite failing to win, they did at least keep a clean sheet. Girona, meanwhile, had only scored once this season prior to their win on Thursday. Under 2.5 goals to be scored on Sunday is priced at 11/10 with Betfred.
This La Liga match between Sevilla and Girona will be played on Sep 1, 2024 and kick off at 18:00. Check below for our tipsters best Sevilla vs Girona prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
