Europa League team news and preview: Sevilla vs Man Utd
Manchester United take on Sevilla with a place in the Europa League final up for grabs. United are also looking to exact revenge on the LaLiga side after Sevilla knocked their semi-final opponents out of the Champions League back in 2018 as both sides seek to end the season with some silverware in the trophy cabinet.
Sevilla, of course, are masters of the Europa League having won the competition a record five times in their history, so are not to be underestimated here. We have everything you need to know ahead of this semi-final clash, including kick off time, where to watch and the pertinent team news.
When is kick off?
Sunday 16th August, 20:00 GMT
Where is the match?
Stadion Koln, Cologne (Germany)
Where can I watch it?
BT Sport 1
How they qualified
Manchester United were taken to extra time by FC Copenhagen in their quarter-final clash due to an inspiring showing by goalkeeper Karl-Johan Johnsson. The shotstopper made a whopping 13 saves in their eventual 1-0 loss to United, with Bruno Fernandes' penalty early in extra time enough to secure a semi-final spot.
For Sevilla, they fortunately saved neutral football fans from another dreary meeting between United and Wolves as Lucas Ocampos' late goal saw the Spanish side secure their place in the semi-final at the Premier League outfit's expense. Sevilla dominated proceedings in the quarter-final clash and their 1-0 win over Wolves was just reward for a dominant performance at the MSV-Arena.
Team News
Sevilla boss Julen Lopetegui has a full squad to select from, save for Namenja Gudelj, who will be assessed. The 28-year-old has started eight of Sevilla's 10 Europa League matches this season, but the Spanish side have ample midfield options to cover his possible absence.
Manchester United are in worse shape than Sevilla coming into this tie with regular left-back Luke Shaw sidelined. Brandon Williams is an able deputy for Shaw in defence, but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has his concerns over Marcus Rashford, who looked to sustain a groin problem against FC Copenhagen. He will be handed a late fitness test, with Juan Mata ready to deputise if needed.
Predicted XIs
Sevilla (433): Bounou; Navas, Carlos, Kounde, Reguilon; Jordan, Fernando, Banega; Suso, En-Nesyri, Ocampos
Manchester United (4231): Romero; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Williams; Matic, Pogba; Greenwood, Fernandes, Rashford; Martial
Key Battle - Ever Banega vs Bruno Fernandes
Ever Banega was the star man when these two last faced off in the Champions League, registering 17 key passes over Sevilla's two-legged win over Manchester United. And after dictating play from deep in their 1-0 win over Wolves, making more accurate passes (103) than Wolves' starting midfield combined (40), shutting Banega down is of utmost importance if United are to secure a final spot.
Conversely, United have a prized midfielder of their own in the form of Bruno Fernandes. The Portugal international scored from the spot to send the Premier League side to the semi-finals of the Europa League and has been a revelation for United on the back of his arrival from Sporting CP in January. Having had six days to recover ahead of this clash, Solskjaer and co. will again look to a well rested Fernandes to fire United to victory.
Prediction - Sevilla 1-0 Manchester United
