Sevilla v Juventus – Preview, Predictions, and Best Bets

Sevilla host Juventus in the Europa League semi-final second leg on Thursday. The first leg ended 1-1 a week ago as a last-minute goal from the Old Lady kept the tie evenly balanced. The hosts have won this trophy on six occasions (most recently in the 2019-20 season) whilst Juve are without a European crown in 27 years.

Sevilla Form

Sevilla have lost just once in 11 fixtures since sacking coach Jorge Sampaoli and appointing Jose Luis Mendilibar. The side were just two points off the relegation zone at the time and have since jumped to eighth in the La Liga table. Their eight league matches under Mendilibar have brought six wins and 19 points.            

After beating Man Utd 3-0 (5-2 on aggregate) to reach this stage, they beat Villarreal 2-1 and won 1-0 at Athletic Bilbao. Their lone defeat was a 2-0 home loss to Girona but they went into the Juventus first leg having bounced back by beating Espanyol (3-2 at home). Despite the disappointment of leaking a 97th-minute equalise in Turin a week ago, they went to Real Valladolid on Sunday and won 3-0 despite making eight changes.

Sevilla Team News

In goal, Yassine Bounou has been the Europa League goalkeeper and is set to play ahead of Marko Dmitrovic. Suso remains a doubt for this match and Erik Lamela is suspended after being booked in the first leg.

Defender Tanguy Nianzou is still doubtful whilst Joan Jordan and Marcao are ruled out with injuries. Coach Jose Luis Mendilibar will play his best XI in this one. He made eight changes over the weekend and still won 3-0 at Real Valladolid, showing the depth at his disposal.

Sevilla Motivation

Since the coaching change, Sevilla have been fully focused on every match. Their great form means they could still finish seventh and in the Europa Conference League.

This competition is their main focus, knowing it can lead to silverware and a place in next season’s Champions League. They will attack at home and look to win in 90 minutes.

Juventus Form

Juve have bounced back of late from a tough run of form. A run of four losses in seven matches undid the great work before that of 11 wins in 13 in all competitions. The only victory in those seven fixtures was a 1-0 success at home to Sporting Lisbon. A 1-1 draw in the second leg got them into the semi-finals.

Domestically, there were losses at Sassuolo and at home to Napoli (both 1-0) and a 1-0 Coppa Italia loss to Inter Milan in the semi-finals. Max Allegri’s side have recovered well of late. They scored late in the first leg against Sevilla to keep their European hopes alive and have won three Serie A matches in a row. They sit second in the table with three matches left to play. They beat Cremonese 2-0 at home on Sunday.

Juventus Team News

Allegri started Paul Pogba over the weekend but he got injured and his season is over. Mattia De Sciglio remains out long-term and Leonardo Bonucci will miss this match too. Alex Sandro and Wojciech Szczęsny were rested over the weekend and will return to the XI.

Other players who were benched vs Cremonese with this match in mind were Angel Di Maria and Manuel Locatelli. Federico Chiese is fit after injury but will be amongst the subs in Spain. Leandro Paredes could be a surprise starter after playing very well over the weekend.

Juventus Motivation

With the side in second place in Serie A, all focus can go on this match. Max Allegri has been consistently resting players to have his best XI in Europe.

This match is a chance to end a long drought for a European trophy and lifting the Europa League could save Allegri’s job. They won’t play an open game and will defend in a narrow 5-4-1 shape.

Key Stats

Sevilla have won their last 4 home European matches

Sevilla have scored 11 goals in their last 4 home matches in Europe

Sevilla have lost just once in 11 matches under their current coach

Juventus have lost 3 of their last 6 away matches in European competition

Juve have lost 3 of their last 6 away matches (all competitions)

Verdict

Sevilla come into this match in strong form and they’re largely excellent at home in Europe. Juve had done well on their travels in the Europa League but lost three from three in the Champions League on the road. Both sides should score but the hosts are better placed to progress.