Europa League: Cup Specialists Sevilla Will Test Red Devils

Sevilla FC vs Manchester United

Sometimes the outcome of a big match is about timing, and when Sevilla face Manchester United in a Europa League quarter final second leg on Thursday, we have a case in point.

The Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium will be bouncing for this fixture as the tide is finely balanced after Sevilla came back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 in the first leg at Old Trafford. If the two teams had met a month or so ago we’d have called a Manchester banker, but a change at the top in Seville has had a quick impact and the Red Devils are not entirely convincing at the moment.      

But the latest Europa League 2023 betting odds reckon the Red Devils will get through this challenge and go on to win the competition. Erik Ten Hag’s side is priced at 2.80 with SBOTOP while Sevilla are out at 10.00. So despite drawing their home tie Manchester United are still strong favourites to see off Sevilla; I’m not so sure it will be so easy.      

Talking Points

Change at the top might just work for Sevilla

Jose Luis Mendilibar took over as head coach at Sevilla just four weeks ago, following the departure of Jorge Sampaoli and his side is unbeaten in four games, picking up seven points in the league and drawing with Manchester United at Old Trafford. They warmed up for this huge upcoming tie with a well earned 2-0 win away to Valencia on Saturday. Second half goals from Loic Bade and Suso earned the three points which lifted Sevilla to 12^th place and eight points clear of danger, while Los Ches remain in trouble, in 18^th.  

Mendilibar is Sevilla’s third manager of the campaign and, now that their top flight status is looking safe the Spaniards can go all out to win the tournament they love. With players of the calibre of Argentine forward Lucas Ocampos, Moroccan World Cup hero Youssef En Nesyri and skipper and Sevilla legend Jesus Navas in their squad, this is a team with some pedigree.

They have underperformed so far this season and now Sevilla have the chance to make it up to their fans. 

Rashford back for Red Devils?   

The big Europa League 2023 news stories in Manchester this week are around the availability of players, as Ten Hag’s injury list shows no sign of shrinking any time soon. And noises coming out of Old Trafford suggest that Marcus Rashford might be fit to play on Thursday as he recovers from a groin injury picked up during a recent win over Everton. This has been Rashford’s best season at Old Trafford and if he is fit then Anthony Martial is likely to make way. There is less encouraging news surrounding the fitness of Marcel Sabitzer. The midfielder scored twice in the first leg but he broke down during the warm up before Manchester United’s match with Nottingham Forest on Sunday. Christian Eriksen stepped in and had a good game, providing plenty of good service for the Red Devils’ strikers and he should start again on Sunday.    

United were too hot for Nottingham Forest as Eriksen and Bruno Fernades taunted the hosts while Antony and Diogo Dalot scored the goals in a 2-0 win.  

But Manchester United’s first choice central defenders are both out of action. Raphael Varane has a foot injury which will keep him out for a few weeks, while Lisandro Martinez is out for the season with a metatarsal break in his foot, and that means Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof are likely to deputise.     

History

Los Sevillistas are record holders of the Europa League, winning the competition six times over the past 17 years, the last time in 2020, and the Red Devils are past winners too, picking up the Europa League title in 2017.     

Sevilla have won three of their six encounters with Manchester United, drawing twice and losing just once and both teams are unbeaten in four games, Sevilla winning two and drawing two while Manchester have won three and drawn one.  

Betting Tip

Sevilla are at 2.92 to win this tie with Manchester United at 2.11 and the draw at 3.16; and all three results are well in play. The Red Devils have had a better season but the hosts are improving under new management and will have a passionate crowd roaring them on.

 

●●●

CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS

Stay updated with everything sports and betting.

Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.