Luis Suarez
Luis Suarez will lead Barcelona's attack against Sevilla at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Getty Images

Barcelona begin their season in earnest with a Spanish Super Cup first leg clash against Sevilla at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on 14 August.

Where to watch live

Kick-off is set for 9pm BST. The game will be broadcast live on Sky Sports 1 HD.

Overview

After winning all their pre-season friendlies, Sevilla fell to a 3-2 extra-time defeat against Real Madrid in the Uefa Super Cup in Trondheim on 9 August. New boss Jorge Sampaoli will hope his team can bounce back from that disappointment by drawing first blood against Barcelona in the Super Cup.

Defenders Timothee Kolodziejczak and Daniel Carrico are both suspended for the first leg, while Nicolas Pareja is injured.

Barcelona warmed up for the trip to Andalusia by beating Sampdoria 3-2 in the Joan Gamper Trophy at Camp Nou in midweek. The Catalan giants won all their pre-season fixtures except for a shock 4-0 defeat against Liverpool at Wembley.

Jordi Alba (illness) is unlikely to feature in the first leg, while goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen is carrying a knock and is doubtful.

What managers say

Jorge Sampaoli: "The best way to defend against an opponent with so much possession is to keep the ball. If we match them in this aspect we can create chances to attack and win the game. I like coaches with an attacking philosophy because what they offer is attractive football to the viewer. [Luis Enrique] has a lot of personality and has added subtle differences to Barça's style of play."

Luis Enrique: "It's a different Sevilla with Sampaoli's philosophy. They were already a dangerous team, but now they are even more dangerous. I like Sampaoli's philosophy because his teams are great to watch for the fans. I have not had the luck of meeting him, but I like coaches with an attacking philosophy. He has great taste if he likes Barcelona."

Betting odds (Betfair)

  • Sevilla win: 4/1
  • Draw: 10/3
  • Barcelona win: 4/6

Team news

Sevilla possible XI: Rico; Mariano, Mercado, Rami, Escudero; N'Zonzi, Kranevitter, Vasquez; Kiyotake, Vietto, Vitolo

Barcelona possible XI: Bravo; Vidal, Pique, Mascherano, Digne; Rakitic, Busquets, Iniesta; Messi, Suarez, Turan

Barcelona