Sevilla vs Manchester City: Struggling hosts facing tall task against high-flying visitors

Topics: TV Schedules, TV Listings, Sevilla, Manchester City, UEFA Champions League

The all-time Europa League winners will likely face a tough test when high-flying Manchester City come to town for matchday one of the 2022/23 Champions League on Tuesday.

Sevilla are well known for their strong showings in the UEFA Europa League, so much so that with six titles, they are indeed viewed as a powerhouse in European club football's second tier competition. However, Los Hispalenses have not enjoyed the same success in the Champions League, where they will be playing in this season after finishing fourth in La Liga. Julen Lopetegui's first task will definitely be a tough one, as he will be taking on none other than Pep Guardiola's Manchester City, who have become an even more fearsome outfit with the addition of Norweigan striker Erling Haaland to their ranks.

Indeed, Haaland, who only just signed for the Cityzens this summer, has been wreaking havoc against other teams' defense in the Premier League. The former Dortmund man has netted a whopping ten goals so far, and while he was not able to help his side avoid a surprise draw with Aston Villa last weekend, he certainly will look to be one of many City players looking to take advantage of a Sevilla side who have yet to get up and running this season. On a personal level, Haaland has netted four times already against this opponent, and there are not many who would bet against him adding more to that tally on Tuesday evening.

This game arguably could not come at a more difficult time for Sevilla, who have picked up just one point so far from their first four La Liga games and sit in 17th spot. Their most recent setback was a 3-0 loss to Barcelona over the weekend and hence the home support will be hoping to see a totally different side take to the pitch against a City team who are only just getting started.

For Manchester City, who have suffered heartbreak in the Champions League time and time again, fans will be hoping that the addition of Haaland just may be that final piece of the puzzle the cash-rich side needs to achieve continental glory. Of course, it is a long journey between now and the June final in Istanbul, but the visitors will be aiming to make their early mark as every point will prove decisive in who ends up playing who in the knockout rounds.

Head to head: Sevilla vs Manchester City

This will be the third meeting between Sevilla and Manchester City
City have won both prior meetings by an aggregate score of 5-2 during the 2015/16 group stages
Sevilla are unbeaten in their last six Champions League group stage openers (W2 D4)
Erling Haaland has scored four times in his last two appearances against Sevilla (during the 2020/21 season)