Manchester United vs Sevilla FC
Manchester United will take on record six-time winners Sevilla in the Europa League quarter-finals, and this is the Red Devils’ best chance of finally putting an end to the so-called “Sevilla Curse.”
The Red Devils have a troubled history with Los Palanganas, which was encapsulated by Jose Mourinho’s famous “football heritage” rant back in 2018.
But under Erik ten Hag this season, Manchester United have made significant progress, already winning the EFL Cup a few months ago, and they’ll be looking for more silverware.
Sevilla may have been a shell of themselves this campaign, but this isn’t an easy tie at all for the hosts, even if the pre-game SBOTOP betting odds have them as the huge favourites to win.
Talking Points
Is Rashford fit to play?
Manchester United’s demanding schedule isn’t about to get any easier, and it may be wearing them down mentally and physically.
Erik ten Hag was not in a great mood despite being fresh from a 2-0 win against Everton. He blamed their schedule for their worrying injury list, as they’re still competing in three different competitions (the FA Cup, the Premier League, and the Europa League).
The Red Devils’ latest casualty is Marcus Rashford, who limped off the field against Everton on Saturday. Although the 25-year-old winger claimed on social media that he still had plenty of gas in the tank, it appeared like he had injured his groin.
Rashford is in the form of his life, as he has been Manchester United’s top scorer this season, recording 28 goals in all competitions.
Erik ten Hag may decide to place Rashford on the sidelines in order to prevent further damage. However, with Anthony Martial, Christian Eriksen, and Casemiro all expected to return to the starting XI, Manchester United should still have enough weapons.
Martial got back on the scoresheet in his substitute appearance against the Toffees, while Eriksen came off the bench too.
Casemiro has also now served his four-match suspension in the Premier League. Because he hasn’t played in a while, the Brazilian enforcer should have fresh legs underneath him on Thursday.
But Manchester United’s man of the match is going to be Bruno Fernandes. The Portuguese talisman is expected to create new Europa League 2023 highlights because he has been directly involved in 27 goals across 37 European appearances for the Red Devils (13 goals and 14 assists).
Sevilla’s away form is a major problem
The Europa League is the only semblance of hope for Sevilla given their underwhelming 2022-23 campaign. They’ve already switched coaches twice, but not much has changed, as they’re only five points above the La Liga drop zone.
In European competitions, Sevilla are currently winless in 11 away games (D5, L6), including a three-game losing streak. With Old Trafford turning into a fortress, Sevilla might lose four consecutive away matches in Europe for the first time since February 2016.
Manchester United will have to key in on Youssef En-Nesyri and Marcos Acuna on Thursday. En-Nesyri is Sevilla’s top scorer with 10 goals so far this season, while Acuna will look to make things right after receiving a red card against Celta Vigo last weekend.
History
Manchester United have yet to beat Sevilla in European competition.
In the 2017-18 Champions League Round of 16, the Red Devils drew once and lost once. And then, in the 2019-20 Europa League semi-finals, Sevilla beat Manchester United with a score of 2-1.
After overcoming Manchester United in the semi-finals of the Europa League, Sevilla won their sixth championship by defeating Inter Milan 3-2.
Except for Leicester City in the 2016–17 Champions League and West Ham in the Europa League last season, Sevilla have advanced from six of their previous eight knockout matches against English teams.
This year, Manchester United became the second club to face four different sides from the same country in a major European tournament (Real Sociedad, Barcelona, Real Betis, and Sevilla). Leeds United were the last team to experience this in the 2000-01 Champions League.
Betting Tip
Manchester United will like their chances against Sevilla on Thursday after taking a look at the latest Europa League 2023 odds. They’re installed to win at 1.40, whereas Sevilla are the underdogs at 6.40, and a draw is at 4.30 in the 1X2 market.Sevilla may have been the bogey team for Manchester United, but Erik ten Hag and co. have come far enough that they’ll be able to get another win at Old Trafford.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT))
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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