Preview and Prediction
Europa League has reached semifinals. The top four are now battling for their next title as all of them have won this competition at least once. The most anticipated match on this stage is the five-time title holder Sevilla against the 2017 champions Manchester United. They both have qualified to Champions League this season. So this silverware will be more for their pride and prestige. The match will be held in Koln on Sunday.
The teams’ previous matches
Ever Banega and Co managed to thump Wolverhampton 1-0 in the quarterfinal last week. Their winning goal was scored by their current top scorer, the Argentine Lucas Ocampos after taking advantage of Ever Banega’s free kick. The game itself was tight. Wolves had a chance to open the score sheet at the first half but Raul Jimenez’s penalty was denied by Younnes Hounou, who eventually became the man of the match.
The Red Devils also beat FC Copenhagen with the same score. Yet, they had to wait till extra time to open the scoring. Bruno Fernandes bagged the only goal by a penalty. Ole Solksjaer’s men were almost frustrated by the Danish side’s strong layered defense plus the impressive form of their goalie, Karl-Johan Johnsson.
Possible tactic
Julen Lopetegui has always been opting for 4-3-3 formation. Lucas Ocampos is the key man upfront, accompanied by Suso and Youssef En-Naysri or Munir El-Haddadi. In the midfield, Ever Banega is the anchorman with Fernando Reges and Joan Jordan focusing more on the defensive side. The only name on the injury table is Nemanja Guldej.
Ole Solskajer might opt for more pragmatic approach here with 3-4-2-1 as he always does against the high profile team. Anthony Martial will be the targetman while Bruno Fernandes and Mason Greenwood will be supporting him from the behind and possibly outwide. In the midfield, Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic or Scott McTominay will be in the middle while Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Brandon Williams or Andreas Pereira will be on both flanks. Unfortunately, Marcos Rashford is doubtful to start of in the line-up. Some other names who are ruled out are Phil Jones, Luke Shaw, Axel Tuanzebe.
Players to watch
Lucas Ocampos is definitely Sevilla’s current top performers although only netting one goal and providing one assist in Europa League. Some other notable figures in the squad are Ever Banega with three assists, Jules Kounde and the Real Madrid loanee, Sergio Reguilon.
Meanwhile, Manchester United’s top performers in Europa League are the Portuguese playmaker, Bruno Fernandes with two goals and one assist, Harry Macguire and Mason Greenwood. The young English forward has scored five goals and one assist.
Sevilla vs Manchester United Prediction
Julen Lopetegui’s men might have shorter resting time but the English side had to go through extra time before eventually securing a place in the semifinal. Thus, their physical fitness could be an issue, especially if this fixture has to end by penalties. Sevilla’s mentality might help them advance to the final.
Betting odds
This clash will be even as expected. Sevilla are backed to win at 2.95 whereas Paul Pogba and Co are priced to win at 2.50. The odds for the draw result are at 3.10.
