Prediction: West Ham vs Sevilla

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 9/4

Bookmaker: 888sport

We’re back with more European football this week as the UEFA Europa League continues through 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 West Ham United host Sevilla in the second leg.

West Ham

West Ham United have been through a lot so far this season and there’s still a good chance they could have a really strong campaign. They’re pushing for glory in the Premier League and if they can get off to a good start in this game, they’ve got every chance of overturning their deficit against Sevilla. David Moyes is hungry for European glory, and this is the ultimate test against the masters of the UEL.

Team News

Coufal, Ogbonna and Bowen have all been ruled out through injury with the following players being listed as doubtful: Vlasic, Antonio and Cresswell.

Sevilla

Sevilla are still pushing hard in the La Liga title race but in reality, another piece of Europa League-related silverware seems like their best shot at capturing a trophy between now and May. They hold a slender advantage heading into this second leg and given their ability to infuriate teams from a defensive standpoint, we wouldn’t be shocked to see them get one over on the Hammers again.

Team News

Ocampos is banned as a result of his yellow from the first leg with Suso and Gomez being injured. Elsewhere, Acuna, Lamela, Montiel, Rekik and Carlos are doubtful.

Factors to Consider

• In the first leg, Sevilla beat West Ham 1-0 thanks to a 60th minute El Haddadi goal.
• West Ham have won two, drawn one and lost three of their last six games.
• Sevilla have won two, drawn three and lost one of their last six games.
• West Ham have scored five goals and conceded seven in their last six games.
• Sevilla have scored six goals and conceded four in their last six games.

Conclusion

We expect a similar game to the first leg in the sense that it’ll be nervy, scrappy and the Spaniards are going to do everything they can to frustrate their English foes. We think the Hammers will be able to draw level on the night, only for Sevilla to score late and ensure a 1-1 draw. From there, Sevilla will progress 2-1, leaving the Hammers to focus on qualification for next season.

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 9/4

Bookmaker: 888sport