Match Previews

Stronger side available... Luis Fabiano (r)(att) suspended... Palop (r)(gk), Kanoute (k)(att) and Dani Alves (k)(def) should all be fit to play... Poulsen (r)(mid) may return... Drago (sp)(def) a doubt... Adriano (r)(mid) set to take part... Sevilla rested and rotated some players in their Round 28 Liga match against Osasuna and thus stumbled to a 0-0 draw, falling two points behind Barca in the championship race. Bringing back Kanoute (k), and welcoming back Dani Alves (k) from injury, they will hope to put that behind them as they continue their UEFA Cup defence. As the only team to win an away second leg and qualify in the last round, they'll hope for a better home start than the 2-2 draw against Shakhtar in the Round of 16. Palop (r), who scored a dramatic goal in the last round, will start in goal after being declared fully fit, while Alves (k) is set to take part at right back. He's not only an inspirtational defender but also a worthy attacker; Navas (r), on the right side of midfield, plays a lot better with Alvas (k) in support. Escude (sp) and Javi Navarro (r) are both likely to start; Aitor Ocio (sp) is on a booking and could be suspended if he picks up another yellow card, meaning that he may not be risked just yet. With Drago (sp) doubtful, David (sp) may retain a place on the left. In midfield, opposite Navas (r) may be Adriano (r), who is considered fit enough to replace Puerta (sp). Poulsen (r) is set to retake a place in the midfield; he's great at breaking up play and looking for the considered option. Either Marti (sp) or, perhaps for the more likely attacking option, Enzo Maresca (sp) could play in the other central midfield position. With Luis Fabiano (r) suspended, who plays alongside Kanoute (k) is up for debate; Chevanton (sp) and Kerzhakov (sp) have both featured on a few occasions recently and are high in confidence. It seems that the latter may get the nod; in his illustrious career he's scored no fewer than 15 goals in 24 European appearances and in recent appearances has scored two spectacular goals. This is probably tie of the round and Sevilla will do well to improve on their home Euro season record of P5, W3, D1 and L1.