Barcelona take on Sevilla in the final of the UEFA Super Cup in Tbilisi on Tuesday.
Barcelona take on Sevilla in their first (semi-) competitive game of the season on Tuesday, with the Catalans hoping to win the UEFA Super Cup in Tbilisi. With Barça still hampered by a transfer ban, they've not managed to strengthen the weakest areas of their squad this summer, though fortunately these weak spots are still considerably stronger than almost everyone else's in world football. They bounced back from International Champions Cup defeats to Manchester United, Chelsea and Fiorentina with a 3-0 win over Roma last time out.
Sevilla, too, have had a patchy pre-season, despite making additions to their team. Unai Emery has added eight players to the first-team squad, including famous names like Italian international striker Ciro Immobile and Ukraine winger Evgen Konoplyanka. They'll be hoping that their work over the summer will bear fruit in this match, and that Emery's coaching methods have quickly brought the new signings up to speed. They should prove stern opposition, even for Barcelona.
What are the stakes?
The UEFA Super Cup is little more than a glorified friendly, fought at the start of each season between the winners of the Champions and Europa Leagues. Winning it does bring silverware and bragging rights, though neither side will be too bothered if they don't come away from Tbilisi with the trophy -- they'd both rather start the La Liga season with a win. Barcelona have been in eight Super Cup finals in the past, winning four of them. Sevilla's victory percentage is slightly smaller, with the only win of their three Super Cup finals coming in 2006.
Recent history
Sevilla have been one of the most consistently solid teams in European competition over the last few seasons, illustrated by them lifting the Europa League two seasons running. It may well be UEFA's secondary club competition, but they beat very good sides to get their hands on the trophy. However, they -- like everyone -- have struggled when they've gone up against Barcelona. Prior to a 2-2 draw at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán in their last match, Sevilla have lost six in a row to the Blaugrana.
Barcelona team injuries and suspensions
Out: Jordi Alba (muscle), Neymar (illness), Aleix Vidal, Arda Turan (ineligible). In doubt: Douglas (hamstring).
Sevilla team injuries and suspensions
Out: Daniel Carriço (thigh), Nico Pareja, Sebastián Cristóforo (knee), Steven N'Zonzi, Timothée Kolodziejczak (illness). In doubt: Adil Rami (illness).
Barcelona's biggest absentee is Neymar, who is suffering with mumps. Full back Jordi Alba is sidelined, too, albeit with a muscular injury. Summer signings Aleix Vidal and Arda Turan are both unavailable due to the club's transfer ban.
Sevilla have suffered a bout of gastroenteritis over the past week, ruling out summer signing Steven N'Zonzi and Timothée Kolodziejczak, though Adil Rami could be available. Daniel Carriço, Nico Pareja and Sebastián Cristóforo are all out injured.
Match Date/Time: Tuesday, 2:45 p.m. ET, 7:45 p.m. local
Venue: Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena, Tbilisi, Georgia
TV: Fox Sports 1 (U.S. -- English), ESPN Deportes (U.S. -- Spanish), TSN, RDS (Canada), BT Sport Europe (U.K.), TV3, Antena 3, beIN Sports (Spain)
Online: Fox Sports GO, ESPN3 (U.S.), BT Sport Europe (U.K.), beIN Sports Connect (Spain)
Source: Jack Sargeant http://ift.tt/1IWgUCB
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