Manchester United will look for a first-leg advantage when they welcome Sevilla to Old Trafford in the Europa League quarter-finals on Thursday night.
Team Form
Manchester United
After six years, Manchester United finally broke their trophy drought by winning the EFL Cup in February. They’re still in the running for the FA Cup and are set to face Brighton & Hove Albion in the semi-finals on April 23.
As for their league form, United currently sits in fourth place on the Premier League table, three points clear of Tottenham Hotspur in fifth. They’ve secured two consecutive home wins against Brentford and Everton, both of which they kept clean sheets.
The Red Devils have a packed schedule for the remainder of April, with six matches to play, including both legs of their quarter-final clash with Sevilla in the Europa League. The second leg will take place next week.
Man United Form (All Competitions): W W L W W
Sevilla
Unfortunately, it’s been a disappointing season for Sevilla in La Liga, with the team sitting in 13th place. While they’re five points clear of the relegation zone, they’re 19 points behind fourth-placed Real Sociedad.
This means that winning the Europa League is crucial for Sevilla to secure a spot in the 2023-24 season Champions League.
Despite their struggles in the domestic league, Sevilla has been making strides in the Europa League. They progressed to the knockout round playoff with a 3-2 aggregate win before beating Fenerbahce 2-1, despite losing the tie’s second leg in Turkey.
Sevilla Form (All Competitions): W L L W D
Squad Report
Man United
Unfortunately, the Red Devils are expected to be without Marcus Rashford, who picked up a groin injury during their recent game against Everton. Fans will have to wait until Wednesday for further updates on his condition.
Luke Shaw is also a doubt for the team due to a recent hamstring issue, while Donny van de Beek, Tom Heaton, and Alejandro Garnacho remain on the sideline.
Sevilla
Lucas Ocampos is set to return to the squad after being suspended for their recent league game against Celta.
However, Joan Jordan and Jesus Manuel Corona are sidelined due to injuries.
Manchester United’s expected starting lineup:
De Gea; Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Malacia; Casemiro, McTominay, Fernandes; Antony, Martial, Sancho
Sevilla’s expected starting lineup:
Bono; Montiel, Bade, Gudelj, Acuna; Fernando, Rakitic; Ocampos, Torres, Lamela; En-Nesyri
Head to Head
Sevilla has had a strong record against Manchester United in the past. Sevilla has won two of the three matches played between the two teams, with the other ending in a draw.
Time, Date & Venue
Date: Thursday, April 13
Time: 08:00 pm, BST
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester
Prediction
There’s no doubt that Sevilla has a strong record in European competitions, and they certainly deserve respect for their past successes. However, it’s also worth noting that they’ve had a difficult campaign this year, which could make it tough for them to pick up a positive result against Manchester United.
