Alavés
- The Copa del Rey’s knockout action will feature a tactical clash on Wednesday night between an Alaves side that are all about verticality and transition under Eduardo ‘Chacho’ Coudet and a Sevilla FC team that plays a more measured game under Matías Almeyda.
- Alaves have been very inconsistent, winning two and losing three of their past five competitive games.
- Carlos Vicente is the focal point of their attack right now, having scored against Real Madrid and Portugalete recently and constantly threatening from set pieces.
Sevilla
- Sevilla’s form has been mixed, with one win, two draws and two defeats in their last five games across all competitions.
- They have been conceding too many goals of late and are yet to really put a string of defensive performances together.
- although they have been progressing in the cup competitions with Almeyda’s organised pressing system and squad rotation paying off.
Head-to-Head
In a fixture that has produced a narrow 2-1 away win for Sevilla, a 1-1 draw in Seville and a wild 4-3 home win for Alavés in the last three meetings, it is probably best not to get too hung up on the odds, which reflect a slight home advantage for the hosts here.
Key Players
- Carlos Vicente is the focal point of their attack right now, having scored against Real Madrid and Portugalete recently and constantly threatening from set pieces.
- Boyé’s experience could be a difference-maker, while Antonio Sivera’s shot-stopping will be crucial if Sevilla manage to build any pressure on the home goal.
- Akor Adams will be a target up front and, as a big, strong and mobile target, can be a problem for opposing defences.
- José Ángel Carmona and Djibril Sow have provided some creativity and drive in midfield, but perhaps not enough to keep the visitors clear of trouble in this one.
- Alexis Sánchez leads the line and, with his early-season goal contributions, is still a big threat to any defence with his movement and finishing.
Betting Insights
- Alavés are available at 2.38, with Sevilla at 2.83 and the draw at 3.25.
- A bet on under 2.5 goals seems the best way to play a game that, based on the recent history and this season’s performances, will be cagey and not overly high-scoring.
Prediction
- Our belief is that Alavés, with home-field advantage and some cup momentum, will just edge it in what promises to be a close, cagey affair.
- Extra time or penalties are certainly not out of the question and the 1-0 or 2-1 home win seems the way to go in correct score betting.
