Sevilla will be hosting Liverpool on Tuesday in a Champions League match whose winner will automatically top Group E. Sevilla is currently second in the group with seven points but could fall to the third spot if they lose to Liverpool, and Spartak Moscow beats Maribor in the other contest. The Spanish club goes into the match after overcoming Celta Vigo with a 2-1 victory in the Spanish Primera Division on Saturday.

Liverpool goes into the match after dismissing Southampton with a 3-0 victory in Premier League at the weekend. The Reds are aware that success in Spain is enough to see them finish as the group leaders with a game to spare.

The first leg of the match that Liverpool hosted ended in a 2-2 draw.

Talking points

  • The last six matches in the Champions League that Sevilla has played have witnessed high scoring with each game realizing at least a total of three goals. In fact, Sevilla has scored at least two goals in five of their last six matches in Champions League.
  • Five of Liverpool's last six Champions League matches have seen a total of at least three goals. The Reds' strikers haven't been shy in front of the opponent's goal area with Liverpool managing at least two goals in five of their last six Champions League matches.
  • Liverpool hasn't tasted defeat in any of their last eight matches in the Champions League. However, the Reds started this term's competition slow with Jurgen Klopp just managing two draws in their opening Champions League matches.

Team news

Eduardo Berizzo's side goes into the match without the services of Nicolas Pareja and Daniel Carrico who are both nursing injuries.

Sergio Escudero could miss his team's group final match if he gets a booking on Tuesday at Estadio R. Sanchez Pizjuan.

Johannes Geis could give way for Simon Kjaer at center-back. Kjaer was a substitute in the weekend 2-1 weekend win over Celta Vigo, and he's undoubtedly fresh for the Liverpool test. Michael Krohn-Dehli and Guido Pizzaro will be competing for a role at the center of the field, but Pizzaro could be given the nod to feature in the starting team.

Adam Bogdan and Joel Matip are automatic absentees for the trip to Spain due to various forms injuries while Adam Lallana isn't fit enough to feature in the game. Nathaniel Clyne who hasn't represented Liverpool in competitive matches since the season began is ineligible for the game.

Prediction

Liverpool has more experience in the Champions League than their counterparts, Sevilla who were doing well in the Europa League before venturing into Champions League last season.

Since the 4-1 humiliation at Tottenham Hotspurs, the Reds have bounced back with four consecutive wins scoring a massive thirteen goals while only conceding a goal in the process. Besides, Liverpool has a manager who's well versed in the competition having led Borussia Dortmund to a Champions League final in the past.

The game is tough to call, but Liverpool has a slight edge over the hosts. A loss will put Sevilla on the brink of elimination should Spartak Moscow beat Maribor in the other group match. Consequently, a defeat in Spain will allow Sevilla to dislodge Liverpool at the top of the group.

Full-time prediction: Sevilla 1-3 Liverpool