Man Utd v Sevilla – Preview, Predictions, and Best Bets

Man Utd host Sevilla at Old Trafford on Thursday night. The Red Devils beat Real Betis 4-1 on aggregate in the last round whilst Sevillistas Rojiblancos reached this stage after a 2-1 aggregate win against Fenerbahce. United have already beaten three Spanish teams in this season’s competition but will be without Marcus Rashford for this one.

Man Utd Form

United have responded to a dip in form – three league matches without scoring – by winning their last two at home. They went into an away match at Anfield on a post-World Cup run of just one loss in 20 matches. That included beating Barcelona over two legs and lifting the Carabao Cup, 2-0 vs Newcastle at Wembley to end a six-year trophy drought.

After being thrashed 7-0 at Anfield, they could only draw 0-0 with Southampton and lose 2-0 at Newcastle (3.68 xG conceded) in their following two league matches. They did beat Real Betis over two legs and beat nine-man Fulham 3-1 in the FA Cup quarter-finals. They’ve bounced back from losing at St. James’ Park to beat Brentford 1-0 and Everton 2-0 in their last two. They had 29 shots, 3.46 xG, and seven big chances vs the Toffees.

Man Utd Team News

Erik Ten Hag welcome back Casemiro in midfield and Christian Eriksen is also in contention. He could use Casemiro next to Bruno Fernandes in the double pivot with Marcel Sabitzer or Scott McTominay as the number. Winger Alejandro Garnacho and left-back Luke Shaw are out injured.

Anthony Martial is back and could start against his former loan club due to Marcus Rashford’s absence. He would play through the middle with Antony and Jadon Sancho wide. Wout Weghorst is another option, as is playing Bruno Fernandes wide and starting Eriksen in midfield.

Man Utd Motivation

Ten Hag’s side have taken this competition very seriously and will continue to do so. They will play to win by a good first-leg margin at home.

United played very well against Everton and are strong at Old Trafford. Even without Rashford, they will attack and play on the front foot against a side who lacks confidence.

Sevilla Form

Sevilla had had a terrible season. Having finished fourth last year, they sit 13th in La Liga this term and are just five points above the drop zone. They were in the relegation places after 14 rounds of matches. A 6-1 humble at Atletico Madrid put coach Jorge Sampaoli under immense pressure but he helped his cause by beating Fenerbahce 2-0 at home and then Almeria 2-0 in La Liga.

After losing 1-0 in Turkey in the return fixture at Fenerbahce, they lost 2-0 to Getafe and the axe fell on the coach with the side just two points above the bottom three. New coach Jose Luis Mendilibar then oversaw a 2-0 win at Cadiz before a 2-2 home draw over the weekend at home to Celta Vigo.

Sevilla Team News

Winger Lucas Ocampos will return to the XI after missing the weekend match. Bryan Gil could drop down to the bench. Ivan Rakitic and Papu Gomez were rested on Friday so will be fully fresh if the coach selects them.

Joan Jordan and Jesus Manuel Corona are both injured in midfield for this match. Alex Telles is available to face his parent club but may be left on the bench with Marcos Acuna preferred to him despite his red card against Celta Vigo.

Sevilla Motivation

Sevilla have a little more breathing room in La Liga so they can divert great attention to the Europa League. They will go all out to win this competition in order to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

A narrow one-goal defeat in this match would be a decent result to take back to Spain. They will play an attacking game but won’t leave themselves too exposed.

Key Stats

Man Utd’s last 23 home matches have seen 20 wins and 3 draws

Man Utd have scored 2+ goals in 15 of their last 19 matches (all competitions)

United have beaten three Spanish teams this season: Real Sociedad, Barcelona, and Real Betis

Sevilla have lost 6 of their last 8 away matches

Sevilla have failed to score in 4 of their last 7 away matches (all comps)

Sevilla have lost to nil in their last 4 away Europa League matches

Verdict

Even without Rashford, Man Utd should have too much for a struggling Sevilla side. A win to nil looks a good bet and Martial is a smart bet to score vs the club where he went on loan. Best sure to check the starting XI to see if he starts.