Manchester United host Sevilla in the Champions League’s round of 16 on Wednesday. What can they expect from their Spanish opponents?
Manchester United host Sevilla on Wednesday in the Champions League round of 16 as rightful favorites to progress over the two legs. The Andalusian side have been quite poor for much of the season, but have found some form in the lead up to this game. Here’s everything you need to know about Sevilla.
Sevilla form guide
When Eduardo Berizzo took over from Jorge Sampaoli in the summer, there were high hopes that Sevilla could build on their impressive campaign last season. Although they finished fourth, Sevilla had been a title contender until a late collapse saw them slide down the table. Sadly, Los Rojiblancos have done anything but build on last season. Although making an unbeaten start to the season, Berizzo’s side were notably poor and fortunate to be so high in the standings. When the Argentinian was sacked in mid-December, results were beginning to turn, Sevilla had been without a win in three games and had just been mauled 5-0 by Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.
After the hiring of former AC Milan boss, Vicenzo Montella, things got worse. The Italian won just one of his of first five league games, losing three, including a 5-3 derby defeat at home and a 5-1 humiliation away to Eibar.
Since that trashing, Sevilla have notably improved, winning their last two league games in impressive fashion. They’ve also been quite impressive in the cup competitions this season, beating Atletico Madrid and a plucky Leganes side on their way to the Copa del Rey final last week and putting on an impressive comeback against Liverpool at home in the Champions League group stage.
Players to watch
If Sevilla are to shock Old Trafford, they’ll need some massive performances all over the pitch, in particular from players such as Sergio Escudero and Ever Banega. Both players scored in Sevilla’s Copa del Rey win over Atletico Madrid and have been the more consistent performers this season.
Wissam Ben Yedder will be another threat United need to keep tabs on. Ben Yedder scored six goals in the group stages and has been Sevilla’s most lethal forward with 17 goals so far this season.
Should Yedder not make the desired impact, Montella might turn to winter signing Sandro Ramirez. The Spaniard showed his pedigree at Malaga last season, his 14 goals helping them secure their top flight status. Unfortunately, a move to Everton really damaged the 22-year-old’s momentum and scuppered his season so far. He’ll be eager to silence his critics and has the ability to cause United problems.
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Strengths and weaknesses
There have been few tangible signs of Sevilla’s quality since the turn of the year, but if they have one strength it’s their ability to find another gear in the cup competitions. Players like Ben Yedder and Franco Vazquez have all popped up at crucial times in both Europe and the Copa del Rey this season to give Sevilla the lift they needed. United must be wary not to underestimate their opponents, despite their poor form.
As for their weaknesses, Sevilla have been extremely poor defensively since Montella took over. They have the seventh worst defensive record in La Liga this season and the worst among La Liga’s top six. Jose Mourinho’s sides are built to take advantage of poor defensive play on the counter-attack, and will likely get plenty of chances should Sevilla play below par.