Sevilla v Manchester United Betting Tip – Sevilla – 21 February 2018

Sevilla may just spring a shock against United

Champions League Tips

Wednesday 21st February 2018 Kick off 1945hrs Sevilla v Manchester United Football – Europe – Champions League Sevilla are well used to facing off against English opposition having been drawn against Manchester City, Leicester City and Liverpool over the last two seasons, in either the group stage or knockout phase – so they are well used to coming up against Premier League teams, even if they have not always had the best of experiences against them. It’s Manchester United’s turn to play them and although they are favourites to reach the quarter finals they do not have a great record against Spanish clubs in European competition.

Sevilla have had a pretty tumultuous season with a change of manager being the most apparent, and the controversy that followed being a real distraction off the park. Vincenzo Montella took over as manager in December and had to endure some dark days in the early part of his reign, not least a 5-3 home defeat to arch rivals Real Betis. Since that humbling at the beginning of January there has been a noticeable improvement for Sevilla and they propelled themselves to fifth in the league and also reach the final of the Copa Del Rey. With a six point gap – and having played a game more – between themselves and Real Madrid it is unlikely that they will qualify for the Champions League via their own merit, domestically at least. Participation in this year’s competition has been effective if not sparkling having won just two of their six group games, The main reason why they reached the knockout phase was the fact they only lost once, and in spectacular fashion as well going down 5-1 away to Spartak Moscow. There’s no doubt they will have to improve significantly on that sort of form if they are to get past Manchester United.

Jose Mourinho is only one of a few managers to have won this competition multiple times and with different teams. His last triumph was way back in 2010, however, and his recent record leaves a lot to be desired with Chelsea and Real Madrid. Mourinho did lead United to glory in the Europa League last season of course, resulting in them entering into Europe’s premier competition for 2017/18. It was a smooth enough passage from the group stage where they were drawn with Benfica, Basel and CSKA Moscow. Basel were the only team to take anything from United as they earned themselves a famous 1-0 win but Mourinho achieved his aim of topping the group and will be fairly pleased with the fact his team have been paired against Sevilla in this round as it gives United a real chance of progressing to the latter stages. There have been a few hiccups of late for United in the Premier League, especially away from home, so they will have to be on their guard in order to get a positive result to take back to Manchester with them.

Sevilla v Manchester United Betting Tip

Sevilla have traditionally been very strong at home in recent seasons and that has certainly been the case once again despite some other struggles. The Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan has been a fortress with the aforementioned derby loss to Real Betis being the only time that Sevilla have been beaten at home since November 2016. It’s a remarkable record considering the quality of opposition that Sevilla have faced in that time and they have wasted no time in building it back up following the 5-3 reverse in January. Since then they have won four and drawn one, including an impressive defeat of Atletico Madrid in the Copa Del Rey. It’s that sort of performance that will have to be repeated if they are to get a result against Manchester United. The visitors have been vulnerable on the road at various stages of the season, including of late where they have went down to both Newcastle and Tottenham without even scoring a goal. Add in that their only loss in the group stage was also away from home then you can see them being put under pressure from the off by their hosts.

Juventus are the only visiting team in the Champions League to have beaten Sevilla at home in the Spanish club’s last nine games in the competition. It’s another indication of just how much an advantage playing at home is for Sevilla and it could well be the edge they need to get what would be an excellent result by beating United on Wednesday.

Sevilla 11/5 @ Betfred