Verdict: HT/FT Sevilla
Odds: 21/20
Bookmaker: William Hill
Europa League holders Sevilla take on struggling Premier League champions in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Last-16 tie in what promises to be a highly exciting clash.
Sevilla
Having gone through a major overhaul during the summer, when head coach Unai Emery lead the exodus of an entire team from the Spanish side, Sevilla managed to recover and arguably take a big step forward under new manager Jorge Sampaoli. Los Rojiblancos have been playing exciting football throughout the season thus far as they remain in the running for the top places with Barcelona and Real Madrid, whereas they also secured their place in the Champions League knockouts by finishing second in Group H behind leaders Juventus. Even though they did not top the group, Sevilla will have been rather satisfied with the draw knowing they are pitted against the struggling Leicester City, debutants in Europe’s elite club competition. Sevilla are coming off from back-to-back victories over Las Palmas and Eibar respectively, and will be keen to keep the momentum going as they look to record the best result possible which they will be taking to England for a return leg.
Team News
Jorge Sampaoli will have no major selection issues as Nicolas Pareja and Carlos Fernandez are the only ones on the sidelines, due to his knee injury.
Samir Nasri is in line for another start for Sevilla, whereas Vitolo could be given a chance to start in front of Ben Yedder.
Leicester City
Claudio Ranieri’s Foxes are in danger of becoming the first Premier League champions of the modern era to be relegated during their title defence. The latest 2-0 defeat at the hands of fellow strugglers Swansea has left Leicester in 17th place in the standings, with only 21 points to their name after 25 rounds. There are only two points between Foxes and rock-bottom Sunderland and Ranieri is facing a daunting task of keeping his team afloat. There is hardly a viable explanation for their current situation, as it seems that everything is stacked against Leicester City at the moment. With Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez out of form and new signings struggling to live up to expectations, Foxes can’t seem to gain their footing and it was once again more than obvious with them suffering a 1-0 FA Cup defeat to Millwall. Ranieri did field a second-string side as he decided to rest his first-team stars for the big midweek challenge, but the latest defeat could have had a negative effect on the Foxes. Leicester did top their Champions League group and enjoyed some good times in the elite company, but they have gone too deep now and will have plenty of problems replicating the good results from the group stage.
Team News
Leonardo Ulloa is struggling with a thigh injury, whereas Islam Slimani is having a groin problem.
Molla Wague, who is yet to make a bow for the Foxes, is out due to a dislocated shoulder, whereas there are no other selection worries for Claudio Ranieri.
Key Factors to Consider
- Sevilla lost only 3 of their last 15 matches in all competitions
- Sevilla and Leicester meet for the first time ever
- Leicester lost 6 of their last 8 games across all competitions
- Foxes won only 2 of their 19 away matches this season
- Sevilla kept a clean sheet in their last three games
Conclusion
Sevilla and Leicester City head into the Wednesday’s match in contrasting spirits. Sampaoli’s men have been displaying brilliant football and have gone from strength to strength this term, which is exactly the opposite of Leicester City and their respective campaign. A home win is on the cards here, but our selection will add value to your bet.
Verdict: HT/FT Sevilla
Odds: 21/20
Bookmaker: William Hill
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