Prediction: PSV vs Sevilla

Prediction: Sevilla win

Best Odds: 12/5

Bookmaker: 888sport

The UEFA Europa League is back in our lives as we rapidly approach the play-off round of the competition. With sides from the Champions League hoping to launch themselves into the round of 16, this serves as an interesting new format to ensure that there’s an even greater benefit to winning your group instead of coming 2nd. Today, we’ll be taking a look at what should be an intriguing second leg clash between PSV Eindhoven and Sevilla.

PSV Eindhoven

It’s been a long time since PSV Eindhoven have been a real force in Europe, with their one European Cup triumph coming back in 1988 – with a Europa League trophy coming ten years prior to that. Their golden age is long gone and in the interim, they’ve been left to struggle this season in a really competitive title race. Who knows, perhaps this tie will serve as the injection of life they crave so badly – if they can stage a big comeback, that is.

Team News

Mwene is tipped to return at full back with questions arising over the fitness of El Ghazi and Hazard.

Sevilla

The kings of the Europa League are back once again after falling to a third place finish in their Champions League group. They aren’t having the kind of campaign they would’ve hoped for right now, especially domestically, but with a club like this there is always going to be hope among the fanbase. Their squad may not be where it once was, but they’ve already proven in this tie that they’re still lethal.

Team News

Lamela is set to be suspended for this one due to how many yellow cards he’s picked up with Bade out through injury, although Gudelj will be back after serving his own ban.

Factors to Consider

• Sevilla beat PSV 3-0 last week to win the first leg.
• PSV have won two, drawn two and lost two of their last six games.
• Sevilla have won three, drawn one and lost two of their last six games.
• PSV have scored seven goals and conceded eight in their last six games.
• Sevilla have scored 10 goals and conceded six in their last six games.

Conclusion

PSV need to come out firing and we expect them to do so off the back of what will, hopefully for their case, be a lively crowd. We do think they’ll be able to get on the scoresheet and create some real problems from set pieces, but the counter attack is going to be too much for them to handle. Sevilla will be able to pick them off and eventually take the lead on the night, ending in a 2-1 win with a 5-1 overall aggregate triumph.

Prediction: Sevilla win

Best Odds: 12/5

Bookmaker: 888sport