Prediction: Újpest vs Sevilla

Verdict: Sevilla to score over 2,5 goals – yes

Best Odds: 27/25

Bookmaker: 888sport

Sevilla are 90 minutes away from reaching the third qualifying stage in the UEFA Europa League and barring an epic collapse, they should advance rather easily. They will travel to Budapest to take on Ujpest, but already won the first leg by a comfortable 4-0 score so we shouldn’t expect the Liga side to suffer in this one. The match will be played at 20.00 hrs (BST) at Ferenc Szusza Stadion. Kirill Levnikov (RUS) will be the referee.

Újpest

Let’s be honest here. Újpest do not have a realistic chance of turning things around against Sevilla. We could say that anything can happen, and that Újpest will get a massive boost with the support of their fans. But we must keep this realistic. The chances of the Hungarian side – who finished third in the 2017–18 Nemzeti Bajnokság I – are slim to none, because they are no match for a Spanish side that tops them in every single stat you could possibly imagine. But with that being said, we must acknowledge the fact that Újpest did a good job in the first qualifying round when they eliminated Neftçi Baku (Azerbaijan) in impressive fashion. After losing the first leg 3-1 on away soil, Újpest took care of business at home with a commanding 4-0 victory. They are not likely to repeat that outcome in this one, but one thing is certain. Sevilla can’t take them for granted. Újpest certainly know how to play at home.

Team News

Újpest’s manager Nebojša Vignjević won’t have Branko Pauljevic after the right-back was sent off during the first leg.

There are no other absences announced on the Hungarian side. For what is worth, Ujpest have not confirmed their squad list ahead of the game.

Sevilla

After finishing the Liga season in seventh place, Sevilla have been forced to play three qualifying rounds to reach the UEFA Europa League. However, things could not have started any better for Los Nervionenses after winning the first leg against Ujpest by a comfortable 4-o score. Goals from Jesus Navas, Wissam Ben Yedder, Pablo Sarabia and Franco Vazquez gave Pablo Machin’s men a healthy lead looking towards the second leg of the competition. The question here is not if Sevilla will win; it’s the margin of victory since they are in a completely different level compared to their rivals. This will be Sevilla’s second competitive match during the current season and while they must remain focus given this is a UEFA match, this could be a good opportunity for Machin to rotate the side and give minutes to most members of the squad. Especially considering their 4-0 advantage on the aggregate score.

Team News

Sevilla’s new signing Joris Gnagnon won’t be available for this game. But he won’t be the only absentee on the squad list.

Simon Kjaer, Borja Lasso and Marc Gual have also been ruled out. Ganso was not part of the team either, although that was a coach’s decision.

Key Factors to Consider

• Sevilla have had a lot of success in the UEFA Europa League. They won the thophy three times since 2014 and 2016.
• Meanwhile, Újpest’s experience at the continental level is quite scarce. In fact, they are playing in Europe for the first time since the 2009/10 season.
• Goals galore? All three of Újpest’s matches in the Europa League have had over 2.5 goals scored.
• Whoever advances in this tie will meet either Žalgiris (Lithuania) or FC Vaduz (Liechteinstein) in UEL’s third qualifying round.

Conclusion

Újpest are a tough team at home, but Sevilla are just too good not to win here by a comfortable margin.

Expect the visitors to score over 2.5 goals, making the aggregate score look even more expressive.

Verdict: Sevilla to score over 2,5 goals – yes

Best Odds: 27/25

Bookmaker: 888sport