Recent Play Details

4% Sevilla (3:00 PM ET): I have to admit that it feels a bit risky to be playing THREE sides in their respective relegation zones Saturday. Sevilla, like West Ham in the EPL and Verona in Serie A, is a surprise to see in the bottom three of La Liga. While regression was certainly expected coming into the campaign, with Sevilla we’re talking about a side that has finished in the top half of the La Liga table for 20 consecutive seasons! They finished top four each of the last three! 

Cadiz is a side I was certain WOULD be relegated at the end of this season. But having picked up points in each of their three matches since the WC break, the Yellow Submarine are not only now one point ahead of Sevilla but just one point adrift of safety. Don’t like the situation here for Cadiz though as they were just on the pitch Monday and had to settle for a 1-1 draw with last place (and still winless) Elche after conceding a late equalizer. Going by most metrics, Cadiz is pretty clearly the second worst side in La Liga (ahead of only Elche) and I cannot see this unbeaten run continuing (similar to Lecce with the Serie A selection). 

Sevilla was at least able to pick up a win in the Copa del Rey midweek (1-0 over second tier Alaves) to advance to the quarterfinals of that competition. That should give them some much needed confidence for this very winnable home fixture where they are clear favorites according to the oddsmakers. With Cadiz and Elche the next two opponents on the La Liga schedule, I believe a run up the table is forthcoming here. Cadiz has scored only 12 goals this season and three of those were from Lucas Perez, who has left the club. Give me Sevilla in this one. 4% Sevilla (Play to -170)