Prediction: Sevilla vs Leganes

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: bet365

High-flying Leganes kept the tie alive ahead of the return leg at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, as they came back from a goal down to earn a 1-1 draw, but Sevilla remain the favourites to reach the final in spite of the embarrassing 5-1 loss to Eibar at the weekend.

Sevilla

The departure of transfer guru Monchi marked the end of a very successful era for one of Spain’s most decorated clubs in the 21st century, and also created a great deal of problems for his successor. Since the much loved official moved to AS Roma in the summer, Sevilla have struggled to reach their potential, and not even former Giallorossi boss Vincenzo Montella could bring much needed improvement. As a result, los Rojiblancos slipped to 6th in the La Liga standings and they now sit six points behind Champions League positions, but at least their Champions League and Copa del Rey campaigns are going according to plan.

But, before they face star-studded Manchester United in the UCL Last 16 stage, Sevilla will attempt to defeat Leganes and reach the Cup final. That will be no easy task given the 5-1 loss to Eibar at the weekend, which must have acted as a major confidence blow and piled even more pressure on the Italian coach. There are obviously no doubts that los Rojiblancos have the quality to win this match, but it has to be noted they have now failed to win any of their last three fixtures.

Team News

Franco Vazquez was sorely missed in the Eibar defeat and he returns to the side, while important defender Gabriel Mercado returns from suspension.

Leganes

Leganes are enjoying a season to remember as they are not only doing well in La Liga, but also have a chance to make it to the Copa del Rey final. Los Legionarios have already created a 12-point advantage over the bottom three, while they sit mere four points behind European positions, and they even have a game in hand. The team have continued with solid results after eliminating mighty Real Madrid from Copa del Rey, going on to take four points from league fixtures vs Espanyol and Getafe, while playing out a 1-1 draw with Sevilla in the first leg of their semi-final clash.

Leganes did well to come from a goal behind, with defender Siovas scoring the all-important equaliser. This is clearly a very good time to be facing out-of-form Sevilla, who will be under pressure after the 5-1 defeat to Eibar, and it has to be noted that los Legionarios are unbeaten in last three away games (W1 D2). When it comes to previous meetings with los Rojiblancos, Leganes did not impress, recording three defeats and two draws in last five matches.

Team News

There have been no fresh selection worries for head coach Asier Garitano, but Nabil El Zhar, Claudio Beauvue, Ruben Perez and Dimitrios Siovas are set to be recalled.

Key Factors to Consider

• Leganes winless in last five matches vs Sevilla (D2 L3)
• Both teams scored in each of those five fixtures
• Both teams scored in each of Sevilla’s last four matches
• Levante netted 4 times in last three away games
• Sevilla conceded 8 goals in last 4 matches on home soil

Conclusion

With Sevilla largely struggling for form at the moment and Levante enjoying a great campaign, we are not prepared to back los Rojiblancos to secure progress to the final. Our advice is instead to back both teams to score as that should be a fairly safe bet.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: bet365