Sevilla vs Deportivo Alaves: prediction, head-to-head and probable lineups – 14 February 2026
The matchday 24 clash of the Spanish La Liga season will take place on Saturday, February 14, at the legendary Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium, where Sevilla will host Alaves. Both teams are neck and neck in the league standings with 25 points apiece, setting the stage for a classic mid-table showdown and a crucial battle to distance themselves from the relegation zone.
- See also: Rennes vs Paris Saint-Germain: prediction, head-to-head and probable lineups – 13 February 2026
Match preview
Under the guidance of Argentine coach Matias Almeyda, Sevilla is enduring one of its toughest defensive seasons in recent memory. As of February, Los Nervionenses have conceded 38 goals— the worst record in the league alongside the bottom clubs. Nevertheless, there has been some progress in recent home outings: the team is unbeaten at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan for two consecutive matches, and in the previous round, they clawed out a draw against Girona (1-1) thanks to a late strike from Kike Salas and a heroic penalty save by goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos in stoppage time, deep into the 98th minute.
Sevilla’s squad issues remain acute. Captain Marcao tops the injury list with a broken foot, while Ruben Vargas, Oso, and Andres Castrin are also sidelined. However, the main attacking threat—top scorer Akor Adams, who already has 6 La Liga goals to his name—remains available, along with experienced forward Neal Maupay, a winter signing from Marseille. Almeyda is working to instill an attacking philosophy, but the squad’s overzealousness often leads to trouble: Sevilla leads La Liga in yellow cards (68), resulting in frequent suspensions and a tendency to lose control at critical moments.
Alaves, led by Eduardo Coudet, sits 14th as of mid-February, trailing Sevilla only due to their head-to-head defeat in the first half of the season. The Basque side recently suffered a painful Copa del Rey exit at the hands of Real Sociedad (2-3), twice leading before conceding a late winner. Their league form has also been patchy: after back-to-back wins, they lost 0-2 to Getafe last matchday. The biggest problem for El Glorioso remains their away form—they have managed just 6 goals on the road all season, the lowest tally in the league.
The visitors' lineup for the trip to Seville is weakened by the absence of key defender Jonny Otto, who is suspended. Up front, the attacking burden falls on Toni Martínez and Lucas Boyé, who has already netted five times this campaign. Alaves are traditionally considered a second-half team—the stats show most of their goals conceded come after the break. Expect Coudet to opt for a pragmatic approach, keeping things tight at the back and exploiting set pieces—an area where Sevilla have shown vulnerability this season.
Match facts and head-to-head
- Sevilla have conceded in eight consecutive matches.
- Both teams have scored in four of Sevilla’s last five games.
- Alaves have also conceded in their last five matches.
- Alaves have won 4 of the last 6 head-to-head encounters in all competitions, including a 1-0 Copa del Rey win in December.
- The reverse fixture earlier this season ended in a 2-1 victory for Sevilla.
Probable lineups
- Sevilla: Vlachodimos – Ángel Carmona, Azpilicueta, Gudelj, Salas, Suazo – Fernández, Agoumé, Mendy – Adams, Maupay
- Alaves: Sivera – Tenaglia, Garcés, Pacheco, Parada – Calebe, Ibáñez, Blanco, Aleñá – Suárez, Boyé
Prediction
I expect a tense, low-scoring affair despite Sevilla’s defensive struggles. The hosts will look to control proceedings at home, but Alaves have proven adept at stifling games against vulnerable favorites. Given the visitors’ poor away goal record and the high stakes for both sides, neither team is likely to take excessive risks. My prediction: under 2.5 total goals.
