Prediction: Sevilla vs Borussia Dortmund

Prediction: Sevilla win

Best Odds: 13/10

Bookmaker: 888sport

The unpredictable nature of the UEFA Champions League has always been one of its most appealing features, and now that COVID-19 is in the mix, even the venues for these knockout fixtures are starting to become a bit more unclear. Still, there are sixteen teams left battling it out for a place in the quarter-finals of this illustrious competition, and two of the remaining dark horses, Sevilla and Borussia Dortmund, will clash later on this evening.

Sevilla

The masters of the UEFA Europa League have made the leap up to the UEFA Champions League, and when you take one look at their current run of form, it’s easy to see why many consider them to be legitimate contenders this season. They’ll have to overcome some serious obstacles if they’re to make it all the way through to the final, but there is a clear and obvious belief within their squad that they can do anything they put their minds to.

Team News

There are four big injury concerns that Sevilla have to deal with prior to kick-off as Acuna, Navas, Ocampos and Rodriguez are all fitness doubts for the first leg.

Borussia Dortmund

To put it as delicately as we possibly can, Borussia Dortmund have fallen off the edge of a cliff in recent months with the kind of season that has left all football fans a bit ‘open mouthed’. They were once viewed as the next great European club and while some may still see the potential within them in that regard, they certainly need to start thinking differently. If they don’t, they could quite easily fall off the spectrum within the context of Germany’s truly elite clubs.

Team News

Burki has been ruled out for this one which opens the door for Hitz to come in and feature in the starting XI. Zagadou and Witsel are also confirmed absences for the trip to Spain, with the only other concern being Piszczek who is a fitness doubt.

Factors to Consider

• Sevilla finished 2nd in Group E with 13 points whereas Dortmund finished 1st in Group F with 13 points.
• Sevilla have won their last nine games in all competitions.
• Dortmund have won two, drawn one and lost three of their last six games.
• Sevilla have scored 12 goals and conceded none in their last six games.
• Dortmund have scored 12 goals and conceded 13 in their last six games.

Conclusion

While Borussia Dortmund do seem to come alive in big European games, we just don’t think they have it in them to cause Sevilla any sustained problems here. The hosts are on an absolutely incredible run of form and it’d take something quite special to knock them off of their perch, which we don’t think the visitors are going to possess here. Sevilla should win the game fairly comfortably, and we’re going to say the scoreline will be 2-0 to give them a great platform to build on heading into the second leg.

Prediction: Sevilla win

Best Odds: 13/10

Bookmaker: 888sport