Prediction: Correct Score 2-2
Odds: 12/1
Bookmaker: William Hill
Sevilla and Chelsea go head to head on Wednesday evening in what looks like a straight shootout for top spot in Group E of the UEFA Champions League.
The two sides come into the clash at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium having already qualified for the knockout rounds of the competition with two matches still to play.
Sevilla
With reining Europa League champions Sevilla having booked their place in the knockout rounds of the competition, it extends an already impressive record for the Spanish giants. In seven of their appearances in the Champions League proper, the club have managed to progress to the second round in six of those. Their only failure came in the 2015/16 season where they finished third in their group. Intriguingly however, they have only managed to top the group standings on two occasions, the last time being in the 2009/10 season. There is plenty of reason to suggest that they could do it this time however. Julen Lopetegui’s men are in excellent form having won their last five matches in all competitions, including the recent slender victory against Huesca, and eight of their last nine games on home soil. As a matter of fact, if they overcome Chelsea, it will be the first time since 2010 that they have managed to win six consecutive competitive matches.
Team News
Goalkeeper Bono is out of this game having recently tested positive for COVID-19. He is likely to be replaced by Tomas Vaclik. Elsewhere, Suso has missed the last seven matches for Sevilla and is unlikely to make an appearance against Chelsea. He joins Sergio Escudero on the sidelines.
Chelsea
Much like Sevilla, Frank Lampard’s Blues come into this game off the back of an impressive set of results. Their 0-0 draw against Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend extended their unbeaten run to 11 games, their longest such run in over two years. Despite firing a blank against Spurs, Chelsea’s fourth of the season in all competitions already, their scoring record remains eye-catching having plundered the net on 38 occasions in just 16 games thus far. Whilst they have kept up that record in the Champions League, their most impressive element of this season’s European campaign has arguably been their defence. The West Londoners have only conceded one goal, that coming in the 2-1 win against Rennes last week. No side currently in the competition can boast a better defensive record than Chelsea – fellow Premier League side Manchester City have too conceded just one goal so far.
Team News
Lampard can boast a clean bill of health for his squad ahead of the game. Christian Pulisic made his return from injury so could be considered to start. Thiago Silva could be rested in place of Antonio Rudiger, whilst Kai Havertz will also be pushing to be included from kick-off.
Key Facts To Consider
- The previous match between the two sides ended 0-0 at Stamford Bridge
- Sevilla have not lost a European match since a 1-0 loss to Apoel last December
- Timo Werner has scored eight goals in his last nine UEFA Champions League away matches
- Chelsea have not won three consecutive Champions League away matches since the 2003/04 season
- Since the start of the 2019/20 season, Sevilla have only lost two matches at home in all competitions
Conclusion
This game could be completely different to the tactical battle seen between the two in October. With the pressure of qualifying for the knockouts taken off, it should be a wonderful, attacking display from two sides who are in excellent form. There should be goals in Seville, with both teams set to extend their respective unbeaten runs.
Prediction: Correct Score 2-2
Odds: 12/1
Bookmaker: William Hill
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