Prediction: Sevilla vs Manchester United

Verdict: Sevilla not to lose

Best Odds: 11/20

Bookmaker: bet365

La Liga giants Sevilla ahead into the last 16 stage clash against Europa League holders Manchester United looking to finally make it to the Champions League closing stages. The Red Devils are in a similar position having last reached the UCL quarterfinals four years ago.

Sevilla

With five titles to their name, Sevilla are Europa League’s most successful side, but los Rojiblancos now plan to leave their mark on the Champions League as well. The Spanish side haven’t had too much success in the competition of late, and they have never managed to reach the quarterfinals. Sevilla have somewhat struggled since the departure of transfer guru Monchi, but they managed to revive their top 4 hopes in La Liga thanks to back to back wins over Girona and Las Palmas.

Having also defeated Leganes to reach the Copa del Rey final, los Rojiblancos head into the Manchester United game high on confidence, with head coach Vincenzo Montella having finally succeeded in winning several games in a row. There has also been some good news on the injury front as Ever Banega and Luis Muriel appear to have recovered from their respective injuries, meaning that the Italian should be able to choose from a nearly fully fit squad. It is important to note that Sevilla have won three of last five home games in UCL, scoring 2 or more goals in each of those matches.

Team News

Ever Banega and Luis Muriel look set to start against Man Utd, but Joaquin Correa faces a fitness test and Daniel Carrico is out injured.



Manchester United

Manchester United have indeed showed progress under Jose Mourinho and they still occupy second place in the Premier League standings, albeit with Liverpool, Chelsea and Spurs breathing down their necks. The Red Devils have also made it to the FA Cup quarter-finals, but reaching the last eight in the Champions League will not be an easy task given the serious injury problems ahead of the first leg against Sevilla.

The players’ confidence was already low following defeats to Spurs and Newcastle United, and it has now been revealed that at least five footballers will miss the game against the La Liga giants. This is bound to cause some problems for Jose Mourinho, especially if star midfielder Paul Pogba fails to recover from illness, but at least January recruit Alexis Sanchez is available for selection. Man Utd did well to win two of three group games on the road, but they also have five defeats in last nine away fixtures in UCL.

Team News

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Marouane Fellaini, Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo and Daley Blind are definitely out, but Eric Bailly should return to the side.

Meanwhile, Jose Mourinho is sweating over the fitness of Paul Pogba, Marcus Rashford, Antonio Valencia and Ander Herrera.

Key Factors to Consider

• Sevilla won three of last five home games in UCL (D2)
• Los Rojiblancos scored 2 or more goals in each of those fixtures
• Man Utd won 2 of 3 away games in group stage
• The Red Devils lost five of last nine away matches in UCL (W3 D1)
• Sevilla on a three-match winning run

Conclusion

This game comes at a bad time for Manchester United, who are low on confidence and missing several important players, so we don’t think they can defeat very good Sevilla side, who appear to be on the rise at the moment.

Verdict: Sevilla not to lose

Best Odds: 11/20

Bookmaker: bet365