With only four games previously played between Juventus and Sevilla, we are in for another couple of close match-ups that will near us to the UEFA Europa League final. These two teams have only met in the Champions League before; Juventus won two encounters, Sevilla won one and the other ended in a draw. We expect a balanced match at the Allianz Stadium on May 11. This is what you need to know.
JUVENTUS
After a meagre 1-0 at home against Sporting CP, Juventus fought out a 1-1 draw in Portugal to secure their spot in the Europa League semi-finals. Despite an otherwise lacklustre attacking performance, Juventus kept its shape as well as Massimiliano Allegri knows how, effectively neutralising Sporting’s threats. Wojciech Szczesny’s miracle in the dying minutes of the game was the only thing separating the two teams.
Having crashed out of the Coppa Italia at the hands of Inter, Juventus will want to see through Sevilla and tussle for what would be the only silverware of the season. Allegri’s side has been adopting an uber-defensive shape this season, with success only coming in sparingly. Many 1-0 wins are a testament to this, but the blatant downfall of Dusan Vlahovic has been a noticeable byproduct. Against SC Freiburg in the Round of 16, Juventus also won 1-0 in a very cagey match-up. Whether someone will tell Allegri that the away goals rule has been done away with is uncertain. Till then, we can expect a close encounter with no obvious favourites.
Juventus steps into the fixture as the favourite. The Bianconeri are priced 1.72 to win, with the total goals to be Under 2.0 at 2.12. Both teams not to score is listed at 1.65.
SEVILLA
Sevilla’s crusade in its favourite European competition hasn’t come without hiccups. Fluctuating between the lower and middle rungs of the LaLiga, Sevilla has already axed two managers this season: Julen Lopetegui and Jorge Sampaoli. Nevertheless, the Europa League dream remains alive and kicking after booting out Fenerbahce in the round of 16 and Manchester United in the quarter-finals. A stern test awaits the Spaniards, especially when considering their season’s poor away record.
Sporting a 4-2-3-1 seems to be the way to go for recently appointed Jose Luis Mendilibar. With four wins from five of its recent LaLiga fixtures, it had to be a heroic Girona to halt Sevilla’s progress from the lower half of the league. Up against Juventus, Sevilla will be looking to minimise the damage to later fight it out at the Ramon Sanchez-Pijuan Stadium. With three goals and one assist in six Europa League games, Youssef En-Nesyri will be Sevilla’s target man, as long as the Spaniards can help him find a pocket of space in Juventus’ tight defence.
Sevilla is the underdog; it is valued 5.20 to take home a win. Sevilla to score anytime is listed at 1.70, whereas a 1-1 draw is valued at 6.50.
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*Odds subject to change. Odds correct at time of publishing