Villarreal vs Sevilla - Fran Escriba wary of high-scoring Sevilla

Posted Saturday, August 27, 2016 by PA

Villarreal coach Fran Escriba has warned his side will need to be at their best to neutralise Sevilla's attacking threat when the two sides meet in LaLiga on Sunday.

The Yellow Submarine have their own attacking options boosted by the return of winger Denis Cheryshev and forward Nicola Sansone.

Sevilla kicked off their league campaign by putting half a dozen goals past Espanyol in a thrilling 6-4 win, and Escriba - whose side drew 1-1 with Granada last weekend - is wary of Los Rojiblancos' goal-scoring ability.

"I expect to come up against the Sevilla that we've seen in the Super Cup, very brave, open and changing from a physical to a talent-based style of play," Escriba told the club's official website.

"Their coach opts to use his players' talents with a very attacking style. Sevilla are a team that play to get shots off and they have the players to do so.

"We have to be a team that stays together and organised so they can't find spaces.

"Sevilla are a direct rival for us and they've strengthened their team well. It is a very important match and one of maximum difficulty."

Sevilla boss Jorge Sampaoli will bring in French pair Adil Remy and Timothee Kolodziejczak, and hopes the defenders can help boost his side's porous back-line - although not at the expense of their forward threat.

"The idea is to be on the attack against Villarreal and not to let them get comfortable," said Sampaoli.

"Rami is available and Kolo returns - they are players that allow us to build more."

Sevilla have been linked with several players before the transfer window shuts, particularly a forward following Fernando Llorente's departure for Swansea.

But Sampaoli insists there is no urgency to add to his current squad.

"Maybe, but it depends on the need because we have great expectations with Carlos Fernandez," he told Sevilla's official website when asked about bringing in a striker.

"(Maybe) if someone comes along who is an experienced striker who does not affect Carlos' development."