Sevilla v Fenerbahçe is a Europa League round of 16 first leg match played on Thursday at 21:00: TV, line-ups, predictions.
The resounding success in the first leg of the Europa League round of 16 play-off against Psv Eindhoven seemed to be the turning point in one of the most difficult seasons of the last 20 years. And yet after that 3-0 win, with which Jorge Sampaoli’s men had secured qualification, Sevilla stalled again.
Since that game, the Andalusians have been limping along worryingly: a draw at home to Rayo Vallecano, a 2-0 defeat (but irrelevant) in the return leg against the Dutch and two more setbacks in the league, at home to Osasuna and away to Atletico Madrid. Particularly significant of the difficult moment the red and whites are going through is the humiliating 6-1 defeat they suffered last Saturday in the capital. It was a one-sided match, with the Colchoneros bringing to the surface all the problems of Sampaoli’s team, on both sides of the pitch. The situation is more delicate than ever: the fans have begun to rumble – in their sights is also sporting director Monchi, never questioned in these parts – anxious about a Sevilla side that continues to flirt dangerously with the relegation zone. The current standings, moreover, speak for themselves: they are tied with third-last-placed Almeria.
Sevilla are in trouble again
The only way to save what would otherwise be a disastrous year is the Europa League, a competition that has seen Sevilla triumph six times in the last 15 years.
Batshuayi in doubt for Sevilla
The Andalusians will try to redeem themselves in the first of two challenges against Fenerbahçe. The Turks, coached by Portuguese Jorge Jesus, avoided the play-offs by securing first place in their group, scoring 14 points in six matches and finishing ahead of Rennes. In Turkey, play only resumed a few weeks ago after being halted by the earthquake that brought the country to its knees. Four wins and a draw is the Gialloblù’s haul in the last few games, allowing them to remain -6 behind Galatasaray in the lead.
The Prediction
Could the Europa League regenerate a Sevilla side coming off two disastrous performances? After the Madrid debacle Sampaoli’s men are likely to have a reaction, but the defence, which has conceded 11 goals in their last three matches, offers no guarantees. The Andalusians should avoid defeat but they are very likely to concede at least one goal.
Sevilla v Fenerbahçe matchday squad
- SEVILLE (3-4-2-1): Bounou; Nianzou, Fernando, Gudelj; Jesus Navas, Jordan, Rakitic, Acuna; Bryan Gil, Torres; En-Nesyri
- FENERBAHCE (4-3-1-2): Bayindir; Kadioglu, Akaydin, Szalai, Lincoln; Guler, Arao, Rossi; Crespo; Valencia, King.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 1-1
