Gregorio Manzano takes to the home dugout at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan for the first time this weekend ahead of the visit of Atletico Madrid on Sunday afternoon. Besides that added intrigue, this fixture is one of the gems of the La Liga calendar, a clash between two genuine giants of the Spanish game.
SEVILLA
Player to Watch: Luis Fabiano
Gregorio Manzano gave off good vibes in his first match in charge of Sevilla in the Europa League this week. A 0-1 win over Borussia Dortmund in Germany is an excellent result for the Andalusians, which puts them right back in contention for a qualifying spot in their group. The real proof of Manzano's credentials, however, will come on Sunday afternoon when his side face Atletico Madrid in his debut at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan. Sevilla have failed to win at home in all but their Super Cup game first leg against Barcelona this season and that home frustration was one of the key factors in Antonio Alvarez's dismissal last weekend. Manzano, of course, had an excellent home record at Real Mallorca, converting the Ono Estadi in Palma into a veritable fortress, and he will be looking to transfer that strength with him to his new club. The injury news has been generally positive in the build-up to this game. Renato is back in the squad after a couple of weeks on the sidelines through injury and Abdoulay Konko also makes it after doubts. He could come in at right back to replace fresh injury victim Mahamadou Dabo, who joins Ivica Dragutinovic and Federico Fazio in the treatment room after picking up a problem which forced his substitution in Dortmund. Martin Caceres and Alexis Ruano started at centre back on Thursday but Julien Escude is also a major contender in that position so the Frenchman could come in, while Fernando Navarro is almost certain to continue at left back. The rest of the team will depend on whether Manzano repeats the 4-2-3-1 formation he used in Germany at home or decides to bring in Fredi Kanoute or Alvaro Negredo next to Luis Fabiano in attack. The Brazilian number 9 has reverted to his status as the club's focal point in attack after a clash of personalities soured the last few weeks of Alvarez's reign. Behind Fabiano, Didier Zokora, Diego Perotti, Jesus Navas and Luca Cigarini are favourites to start in midfield, with Tiberio Guarente or Renato as well if we see a five man midfield. Alejandro Alfaro has forfeited his place in the squad to Renato this weekend due to tactical reasons, so he will watch on from the stands.
Possible starting XI: (4-2-3-1) Andres Palop; Abdoulay Konko, Alexis Ruano, Julien Escude, Fernando Navarro; Luca Cigarini, Didier Zokora; Jesus Navas, Tiberio Guarente, Diego Perotti; Luis Fabiano;
ATLETICO MADRID
Player to Watch: Filipe Luis
Atletico Madrid's path to the knockout stages of the Europa League was further complicated by a home draw against Bayer Leverkusen on Thursday night, which leaves Quique Sanchez Flores' holders without a win in that competition this term. Atletico's league form is good. They beat Real Zaragoza 1-0 on matchday five to register 5th position in the league ahead of this mouth-watering tie against Sevilla at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on Sunday. The Andalusians have not won at home yet in the league this season but they have an expert at that task in Gregorio Manzano now at the healm. Quique Sanchez Flores has some problems heading into this game on the player front. Argentinean international Sergio Aguero is back in the treatment room due to a small muscle tear so Diego Costa and Diego Forlan will start up front as the only strikers in the matchday squad. Diego Godin is also injured at the moment and Jose Antonio Reyes will serve a suspension after his petulant red card last weekend. That means Flores needs to replace a centre-back and a right-winger at the Pizjuan. Godin's replacement in defence could be Luis Perea who will link up next to Alvaro Dominguez allowing Tomas Ujfalusi to slot back in at right back after completing a two-match ban. Filipe Luis should start again at left back after a stunning debut against Zaragoza. It is fantastic to finally see him back to his old self after a long period of recuperation following an ankle break at the start of 2010. In midfield, Simao, Paolo Assuncao and Tiago Mendes could be joined by former Arsenal star Fran Merida as a replacement for another former Gunner, Jose Reyes. Playing Raul Garcia out of position on the right wing is another tempting option, if Quique decides that this game has come too soon for young Merida.
Possible starting XI: (4-4-2) David de Gea; Tomas Ujfalusi, Luis Perea, Alvaro Dominguez, Filipe Luis; Simao, Tiago, Paolo Assuncao, Fran Merida; Diego Forlan, Diego Costa;
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