Sporting Gijon v Sevilla preview

Sevilla coach Michel admits it is vital his side despatch Sporting Gijon if they want to play in Europe next season.

Michel sets stall out for his under-achieving side

Sevilla coach Michel admits it is vital his side despatch Sporting Gijon if they want to play in Europe next season. Only five points separate them from fourth-placed Levante, yet they lie 10th in a cluttered top half of the La Liga table. "So much has happened this season - and not all of it good - that the team is in a situation where we have to go for the win," Michel said. "It's true that in terms of qualifying we are in a similar situation to a month ago. "But it is also true that we have the advantage that the mood is different. We have to play to win every game." Sporting Gijon lie second from bottom, six points adrift of safety, yet Michel refuses to be complacent ahead of the trip to the El Molinon. "It's a vital game for both teams. The Molinon is intense and no rival has won easily there," he said. "It has always been the case that the Molinon has been synonymous with strength, pressure and force. "Our opponents are in a precarious situation. They need the points and have the support of their fans. "We must play to our strengths and these are football in all its aspects." Sporting Gijon's former Spain boss Javier Clemente is running out of time to keep his side in the top flight with just eight games remaining. Sporting are without a win in seven matches, their last La Liga win coming on January 15 - a 2-1 home success over Malaga. Best bet: Sevilla/Sevilla - 5/2