A battle between two great sides with lofty ambitions meet in the Europa League. Both teams have dipped from their usual performances, but glory in this competition would do them a world of good, especially the specialists in this competition, Sevilla, who managed to lift the trophy for a record six times.
Let’s take a look at how this game might unfold, what are the things to look out for, and in the end, we’ll offer you a well-considered betting tip on the game. Explore the LV BET Sports Blog for more information about the Europa League, Champions League and Premier League.
SEVILLA
Sevilla currently sits in the relegation zone of Spanish La Liga, which is somewhat surprising after being a very competitive team in previous seasons. A very successful season last year, finishing fourth, just one point behind Atletico Madrid, is light years away from the situation at the club at the moment. The Champions League fixtures offered a good escape from the horrors of La Liga, but they have also been disappointing.
The problem stems from selling big names such as Jules Kounde and Diego Carlos, and not getting them adequately replaced. Adnan Januzaj, Isco, and the centre-back duo of Nianzou and Marcao have not performed as expected, leaving Julen Lopetegui, who started the season with Sevilla with a mountain to climb. Now under Jorge Sampaoli, things are still the same; Isco has had his contract terminated, adding more problems in terms of squad depth.
A fallen giant who is looking to bounce back through the Europa League. We are pricing a first-leg win at home at 33/25 (2.32), with Sevilla to score first at 6/7 (1.85).
PSV
With somewhat contrasting scenarios, PSV are on the up, fourth in the Eredivisie, just a handful of points off the leaders. In the Europa League group stage, PSV had Arsenal up against them, who are enjoying one of their best seasons in the last decade. Nevertheless, the Dutch side managed to secure a comfortable second-place finish. The squad of Ruud van Nistelrooy are full of young and highly-rated players such as Xavi Simons, Noni Madueke and Ibrahim Sangare.
PSV play a very attractive brand of football, creating plenty of chances, but they are yet to find the secret to limit the opposition from getting into their box. In the Eredivisie top ten teams, only PSV and two other teams have conceded more than 22 goals. We are pricing a 1-1 draw at 11/4 (3.75), giving a great platform to build on for the Dutch team when they host the tie.
We are anticipating a very tight game with Sevilla not taking too many risks so they can remain in the tie as much as possible, with PSV asking most of the questions in the second half should it remain 0-0 at the break. Home team first-half clean sheet at 5/8 (1.62), and both teams to score at 13/20 (1.65).
LV BET
Keep up to date and informed about the latest on Europa League fixtures and betting markets this week with LV BET.
Tune in to the LV BET Sports Blog to find out more information about live sports, as well as the exciting online world of esports, and stay informed about the biggest sports events from around the world.
*Odds subject to change. Odds correct at time of publishing