Pre-season Preview: Sevilla - Orlando Pirates FC
Orlando Pirates take their pre-season preparations to Seville, where they will be facing Spanish giants Sevilla on Monday night.
The fixture takes place at Ramon Cisneros Palacios Stadium, and it is the Buccaneers’ second on-field assignment in their Spanish voyage.
Match Overview
Evidence Makgopa and Olisa Ndah found the net as the Buccaneers drew 2-2 against English outfit Plymouth Argyle in their first pre-season match in Marbella on Friday.
It was a crucial drill for the Soweto Giants, who are looking to gel ahead of what will be a demanding season that will feature continental competition along with an intense domestic schedule.
They now get to test themselves against Los Nervionenses, as the Spanish side is affectionately known, in another important practice match held just three days after their first outing.
Sevilla meanwhile start their pre-season preparations with an eye on an improved performance in the upcoming campaign after finishing in the bottom half of the La Liga table for the second season running. Their 13th place finish was their lowest since gaining promotion to the Spanish top flight in 2001.
Having been a regular feature in the top half of the standings for well over two decades, their clash against the Buccaneers marks a significant step in their quest to reclaim their spot amongst the top clubs in Europe.
Team News
Sevilla go into the clash without the services of veteran attacker Jesus Navas, who has called time on his illustrious career while the likes of Erik Lamela and Sergio Ramos are among the big names to have departed the club
They have been active in the transfer market during the off-season, signing Nigerian forward Chidera Ejuke from CSKA Moscow along with former Spain youth international Peque Fernandez who joins from Racing Santander.
Meanwhile, Marcus Acuña and Gonzalo Montiel are among those unavailable for the fixture due to their involvement in the recently-concluded Copa America.
For Pirates, a few changes can be anticipated following a highly physical outing in Marbella.
Midfield duo Patrick Maswanganyi and Siphelo Baloni are doubtful after both having to be withdrawn early against Plymouth, while new signing Gilberto could make his first appearance for the club having joined the camp last week.
Players to Watch
Morocco international Youssef En-Nesyri is an imposing presence upfront, and could be a handful for the Bucs defence following a productive campaign where he finished as Los Nervionenses’ top scorer with 20 goals across competitions.
Quiqe Sanchez Flores’ squad also boasts quality elsewhere on the pitch, with rising star Juanlu Sanchez emerging as a bright prospect on the flank along with defender Kike Salas, who enjoyed a breakthrough season with the first team.
Argentine playmaker Lucas Ocampos has been one of the club’s main creative sparks, while goalkeeper Orjan Nyland provides some vital experience between the sticks.
How to Watch Orlando Pirates vs Sevilla
The match is scheduled to kick off at 21:00 (SAST) and will stream live on Orlando Pirates’ YouTube channel, Pirates TV. You can also stay in touch with the action by keeping an eye on live updates posted across the Club’s social media channels.
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