Overview
Since their last win in the 2009-10 season, Sevilla have repeatedly advanced to the Spanish King's Cup (Copa del Rey) title, reaching the final twice in 2016 and 2018, before losing both times to Barcelona.
However, coach Matias Almeyda's team had to suffer a regrettable defeat in the round of 32 last season by Almeria. Entering this year's season, Sevilla is determined to go further in the cup arena.
After losing 3 out of 4 matches in November, Los Nervionenses started December more positively with 2 wins and a draw in the last 3 matches, thereby gaining the necessary confidence before the upcoming series.
Sevilla will not be allowed to be subjective against Alaves, as they have won just once in the last five encounters between the two teams. However, that victory came less than 3 months ago in the last encounter.
Entering their third consecutive away match in the Copa del Rey, Sevilla will face the most difficult challenge since the beginning of the tournament. However, the Andalusia team still has reason to be confident thanks to two away wins against Toledo and Extremadura, with a total score of 6-2.
Sevilla is still superior in terms of achievements compared to Alaves, the team waiting for the first title in this tournament. Alaves' best achievement was reaching the final in 2017.
Coach Eduardo Coudet's team also had a forgettable November when they lost all 3 of their final matches of the month. However, the situation has improved with 2 consecutive victories against Portugalete and Real Sociedad.
In the most recent match, Alaves almost got a point against Real Madrid, before Rodrygo scored the decisive goal in the 16th minute, ending the team's 11-month goalless streak in La Liga.
However, Los Albiazules can still draw many positive signals from that performance as they aim to avoid two consecutive home defeats for the first time since April.
Personnel situation
Carlos Vicente took less than a minute to score after coming off the bench against Real Madrid. The striker, who scored a goal and provided an assist in Alaves' second-round win over Portugalete, is likely to start in the next match.
facundo Garces, a long-term absentee, is serving a suspension for being involved in a case of forging documents to be called up to the Malaysian national team.
Peque and Isaac Romero, who were suspended for the Sevilla 4-0 win over Oviedo, are eligible to return to play.
However, Sevilla will not have the services of Cesar Azpilicueta, Adnan Januzaj, Tanguy Nianzou, Orjan Nyland, Gabriel Suazo and Ruben Vargas due to muscle injuries. Meanwhile, Marcao continues to be absent for the fourth consecutive match due to a foot problem.
On the other hand, the visitors will also be without Kike Salas due to a groin injury, marking the first time the defender has failed to feature in the Copa del Rey this season.
Expected lineup:
Alaves: Sivera, Yusi, Pacheco, Tenaglia, Jonny, Vicente, Blanco, Suarez, Alena, Martinez, Boye.
Sevilla: Vlachodimos, Oso, Castrin, Gudelj, Cardoso, Carmona, Peque, Mendy, agoume, sow, Romero.
The match between Alaves and Sevilla takes place at 3:00 am on December 18 (Vietnam time).
