Sevilla vs Mallorca preview - Sevilla looking for three in a row

Posted Monday, April 02, 2012 by PA

Sevilla have the chance to record three successive Primera Division victories for the first time this season and boost their European ambitions when they welcome Real Mallorca to the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium.

Sevilla looked in danger of slipping into the relegation dogfight not so long ago but back-to-back 3-0 away wins over Racing Santander and Granada in their last two matches have lifted them back into the top 10.

A third successive victory would see the Andalusian club close to within five points of fourth-placed Malaga and leave Michel's side well in the fight for a return to Europe.

Winger Jesus Navas said: "We've been doing well, working hard and picking up important points. Tomorrow, on our ground, we have to go for the three points. We are on the up, but we have to carry on with what we've been doing."

Monday's match will see Mallorca coach Joaquin Caparros return to Sevilla, who he coached between 2000-05 and helped lay the foundations for the success that saw the club win five trophies between 2006 and 2007, including successive UEFA Cups.

Sevilla coach Michel said of his experienced counterpart: "For me, Caparros is a reference point in this country as a coach...and we're not talking only about this club. However, even if they really love Caparros, the Sevilla fans will want their coach to triumph, and that's me."

Sevilla are missing former Mallorca defender Fernando Navarro, who is both suspended and injured, while Diego Perotti and Emir Spahic are not fit to feature either.

Mallorca make the trip to the mainland just three points behind Sevilla but they will be looking nervously over their shoulder with several of the teams below them picking up wins over the weekend.

There are still eight points separating the Balearic Island side from the drop zone, but midfielder Sergio Tejera admits they still have work to do before they can start to relax.

"Until we've got the necessary points and the mathematics say so, we won't say that we are safe," he said.

"It would be very important to pick up something at Sevilla to maintain the gap to the teams below and get us closer to the sides above."

Tejera will not be involved despite recently returning to fitness, while Kevin Garcia, Gianni Zuiverloon, Joao Victor, Marvin Ogunjimi and Marti Crespi are also missing.