Prediction: Sevilla vs West Ham

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 41/20

Bookmaker: 888sport

We’re back with more European football this week as the UEFA Europa League finally enters its official knockout stage. There are 16 teams with a variety of different hopes and ambitions ready to battle it out over the course of the next few months. Some want to reach the UCL, some are focused on getting some silverware, and others just want to see how far they can get. Today, we’ll be taking a look at one of the juiciest ties of the round as Sevilla prepare to meet West Ham United.

Sevilla

It’s not exactly a secret that Sevilla are the kings of the Europa League and now that everyone has seen them fall down into it, there’s bound to be a state of panic amongst the other 15 clubs. Given that they’re the closest contenders to Real Madrid in the La Liga title race, though, there’s a chance they could take their foot off of the gas and underestimate their English opponents.

Team News

Suso has been ruled out through injury with Delaney also being on the shelf due to a suspension. Elsewhere, Lamela, Gomez, Rekik and Martial are all viewed as fitness concerns.

West Ham

David Moyes will understandably be chuffed with the progress his West Ham United side has made in the last few seasons and as we look ahead to the future, it truly does feel like the only way is up. In terms of this particular competition, we’d argue they should be seeing this as their priority – but with a top four place up for grabs, one could understand if they try and manage their expectations.

Team News

Ogbonna and Coufal have been ruled out and while Bowen has avoided any major damage from the game against Liverpool, the club is likely to consider resting him.

Factors to Consider

• Sevilla dropped down from the Champions League whereas West Ham won Group H.
• Sevilla have won two, drawn three and lost one of their last six games.
• West Ham have won two, drawn two and lost two of their last six games.
• Sevilla have scored six goals and conceded three in their last six games.
• West Ham have scored six goals and conceded seven in their last six games.

Conclusion

Given what both teams have on their plate right now, we wouldn’t be at all surprised to see Sevilla and West Ham play out a tentative, relatively dull draw – especially now that the excitement of the away goals rule has been abolished. The visitors will likely have to ride their luck at times against the hosts but in the end, we’ll be left with a 0-0 draw to take back to London for the second leg.

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 41/20

Bookmaker: 888sport