Tight fought semifinal awaits in Cologne

A rerun of a 2017/18 Champions League last 16 tie gets underway on Sunday evening in Cologne. Sevilla were victorious over Manchester United that time, a Wissam Ben Yedder brace helped them to a 2-1 aggregate victory. Now in more familiar surroundings, that of the Europa League they will back themselves to challenge the 2017 tournament winners. Fourth place in La Liga takes on third place in the Premier League, it is evenly matched and will surely attract a wide audience to see who will make the final. Despite looking leggy and needing extra time to get past Copenhagen in the last round, the Red Devils are narrow favourites.

Background

There has been under 2.5 goals in Sevilla’s last six outings and they have not tasted defeat in their last 19. Julen Lopetegui’s men have won without conceding six times in their last eight and have come on stronger as games have gone on of late, scoring three of their last six goals in the competition after the 80^th minute. Deadly from 12 yards, United’s Bruno Fernandes is the Europa League top scorer with seven strikes he will be keen to take the golden boot.

Two impressive backlines

Both sides have looked stronger is defence than offence, winning their quarterfinals 1-0. Jules Kounde and Diego Carlos have struck up an excellent partnership in the last few months and despite conceding an early penalty, showed their class against Wolverhampton Wanderers. They only conceded five goals in 11 encounters after the resumption of play in La Liga, ensuring qualification for next season’s Champions League. Similarly, to their opponents who clinched a top four finish on the last game.

21-year-old French centre back Kounde is a big investment in Seville, signing from Bordeaux for £22.5million and has grown into the role excellently. A relative unknown at the start of the season, now looks one of the most accomplished defenders left in European competition. He averages 0.8 tackles and as many interceptions per game. Carlos too joined from Ligue 1, Nantes the case in point and have developed brilliantly under Lopetegui. A weary Rashford and Martial will need to be more inventive if they are to break the deadlock.

Goals look to be the best angle to go for with the game set up on a knife edge and two sides who have struggled in front of goal in the quarterfinals.

Sevilla – Manchester United Betting Tip

Under 1.5 1st Half goals + Sevilla to Score Under 1.5 goals with bet365 at odds of 4/5 or 1.77.

Bet Under 1.5 1st Half goals + Sevilla to Score Under 1.5 goals on Bet365