Prediction: Sevilla vs Manchester United

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 3/4

Bookmaker: Unibet

With a Europa League semi-final spot firmly hanging in the balance on Thursday night, Manchester United will make the trip to Sevilla for their second-leg showdown.

Sevilla

Starting with the hosts, mounting what was a famous last-gasp comeback away at Old Trafford last week, Sevilla will be looking to make a heavyweight Europa League statement here. Although Jose Luis Mendilibar’s side might have shown some extended issues prior to the World Cup’s winter break, it appears that Los Nervionenses have found some much-needed recent stability. Picking up some perfect momentum over the weekend as they claimed a deserved 2-0 victory away at Valencia, the former Eibar boss finds his side in the midst of a four-match unbeaten run across all competitions. Marking their return from March’s international break with another 2-0 win away at Cadiz, it should also be noted that Sevilla have continued to shine on home soil. In fact, on a run that stems all the way back to November 9th, Thursday’s hosts have lost just one of their last nine contests at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium.

Team News

While Argentina international Marcos Acuna might be serving a domestic suspension, the 31-year-old will make a full return on Thursday night. Despite returning to first-team training last week, Jesus Corona will have to settle for a spot on the bench.

Making an impact when coming off the bench at Old Trafford last week, Youssef En Nesyri will be hoping to spearhead Mendillibar’s attack here. The Morocco international could replace ex-Tottenham forward Erik Lamela.

Manchester United

As for the visitors, while Manchester United might have been left heartbroken as they eventually had to settle for a first-leg 2-2 draw at Old Trafford last week, Erik ten Hag’s side came roaring back a few days ago. Eventually breezing their way to a routine 2-0 victory away at relegation scrappers Nottingham Forest, the former Ajax boss will be calling on his side to keep up that momentum here. Ending their six-year trophy drought back in February as they were crowned EFL Cup champions thanks to a 2-0 win against Newcastle at Wembley, Thursday’s guests now have their sights set on a real silverware sweep. Appearing to cruise their way towards an essential top-four return this season, Manchester United have lost just one of their previous nine appearances across all competitions. With that flurry stemming all the way back to that infamous 7-0 drumming at Anfield on March 5th, ten Hag’s side will have plenty of pressure on their shoulders here.

Team News

In what is a huge blow for United, ten Hag’s side confirmed last week that defensive ace Lisandro Martinez will miss the remainder of the season due to a foot injury. Likewise, once again missing out against Nottingham Forest over the weekend, England international Marcus Rashford is likely to not feature out in Spain.

Likewise, in what is becoming a mounting injury list, United are also sweating over the likes of Marcel Sabitzer, Luke Shaw, Raphael Varane and Scott McTominay in midweek.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides met for their first-leg showdown at Old Trafford last week, Manchester United and Sevilla played out a thrilling 2-2 draw.
• In fact, Thursday’s hosts are unbeaten in each of their last four European meetings against United.
• However, the Premier League giants have lost just one of their last nine appearances across all competitions – a run that stems back to March 5th.
• Four of Sevilla’s last five appearances at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium have finished with over 2.5 goals.
• Four of Manchester United’s last five Europa League matchups have finished with both teams finding the net.

Conclusion

Throwing away what was a golden opportunity at Old Trafford last week, Manchester United will know that they have to go about things the hard way on Thursday night. While the Premier League giants might have claimed a routine 2-0 victory away at Nottingham Forest over the weekend, ten Hag is dealing with what has quickly become a stacked injury list. Unable to call upon many of his first-team stars here, neutrals could be treated to another enjoyable showdown in midweek. Watching Sevilla mount a stunning last-gasp comeback in Manchester seven days ago, chances could come at both ends of the pitch. It should be noted, with United seeing four of their last five Europa League appearances finish with both teams finding the net, we are expecting a similar outcome here.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 3/4

Bookmaker: Unibet