Osasuna vs Sevilla preview - Arribas appeals for full ground

Posted Sunday, March 23, 2014 by PA

Osasuna defender Alejandro Arribas is confident his side can pick up a three-point haul against Sevilla, despite the gap between the two teams in the Primera Division table.

Unai Emery's in-form side are 15 points above the Navarrans and are fighting hard for a European berth, while Osasuna are involved in another relegation battle.

However, Arribas believes Osasuna can make the most of home advantage again, having drawn with Real Madrid and Barcelona and beaten Atletico Madrid at their El Sadar stadium this season.

"We've faced some great teams at home and we've picked up points against them," he told a press conference.

"If we do what we know best, we have a good chance of winning."

To that end, the defender appealed to the club's fans to pack out the stadium and help the team on to victory.

"It's vital that everyone comes together," he said.

"We need to be united more than ever and I'm calling on everyone to come on down to El Sadar. The game is at midday, a perfect time for parents to bring their children along."

Arribas also emphasised the team were extra motivated to pick up the three points after losing to fellow strugglers Malaga in their last home game.

"I think this game is fundamental and we are all focused on it. We were also focused against Malaga, but we lacked a bit of luck. We played better than them, and when you are the better team, you normally win," he added.

Sevilla head into the match with confidence high having won their last four league games and, on Thursday, securing their place in the Europa League quarter-finals following a thrilling penalty shoot-out victory over local rivals Real Betis.

Sevilla boss Emery knows his side will need to be on top form if they are to pick up another good result this weekend, though, saying: "El Sadar has always been very difficult, it's a pressure cooker for visiting teams.

"Osasuna also need to win again after three successive defeats. That need will make them play at their best."