Two underperforming Spanish football giants, Sevilla and Valencia, are set to clash at Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán on Saturday night in a crucial La Liga encounter, with Nigeria internationals Chidera Ejuke, Umar Sadiq and Kelechi Iheanacho set to be on the marquee.
Sevilla, languishing in 14th place with 22 points from 18 matches, are looking to escape the looming specter of another disappointing campaign. Valencia, meanwhile, sit in 19th with just 12 points, as relegation fears become increasingly real.
Correct Score Prediction: Sevilla vs Valencia
With neither team firing on all cylinders, this game could see the points shared.
Sevilla's underwhelming home scoring record (eight goals in nine league matches) suggests a low-scoring affair, while Valencia’s dismal away form (winless on the road) makes an outright victory unlikely for Los Che.
Sevilla 1-1 Valencia
Kelechi Iheanacho: Transfer rumors overshadow a turbulent season
Sevilla head coach García Pimienta revealed in a press conference that Iheanacho’s physical fitness remains a concern following the Christmas break and might be out for a while.
The Nigerian international has made nine La Liga appearances this season—just four as a starter—and is yet to register a goal. With limited game time and Sevilla’s attacking woes, a winter exit looks increasingly plausible.
English clubs like Watford, Wolves, Ipswich Town, and West Bromwich Albion are reportedly monitoring his situation. If he does depart, it could mark the end of a brief and unremarkable chapter in La Liga for the forward.
Chidera Ejuke: A potential lifeline for Sevilla
For Sevilla, the return of Chidera Ejuke from injury offers a glimmer of hope amid an otherwise bleak season.
The Nigeria winger, sidelined since October with a hamstring injury sustained against Barcelona, has resumed full training and could make the matchday squad against Valencia.
Ejuke’s contributions before his injury were modest yet promising—one goal in nine La Liga appearances, with an xG of 0.67 and a goal conversion rate of 9%. Signed on a free transfer last summer, the 26-year-old has the potential to rejuvenate Sevilla’s faltering attack.
His pace and ability to take on defenders make him a unique asset, and fans will hope his return injects some much-needed dynamism into García Pimienta’s setup.
Umar Sadiq: A new beginning at Valencia
On the opposite side, Umar Sadiq is embarking on a new chapter in his career with Valencia. The former Real Sociedad forward joined Los Che on loan this winter and made his debut in a 2-0 Copa del Rey victory over Eldense.
Valencia manager Carlos Corberán has spoken highly of Sadiq’s mentality and work ethic, emphasizing their importance as the club fights to escape the relegation zone. While Sadiq’s time at Real Sociedad was marred by inconsistency, he arrives at Valencia with a point to prove.
With Valencia in dire need of attacking firepower, Sadiq’s physical presence and goal-scoring ability could be crucial. The Nigerian striker is expected to make his La Liga debut for Valencia in this match, as the team looks to build on their Copa del Rey success and claw their way out of the bottom three.
For both teams, however, the stakes extend far beyond individual narratives. Sevilla cannot afford to drop more points at home if they hope to avoid another underwhelming season. Valencia, on the other hand, need every point they can muster to avoid a historic relegation.
