Europa League preview and odds: Basel vs Sevilla
Published on: 07/03/2016
Europa League preview and odds: Basel vs Sevilla
March 10, 2016 19:00pm - St. Jakob-Park
Europa League
Reigning champions Sevilla will continue their quest to defend their Europa League crown, when they travel to Switzerland to face 40/1 outsiders Basel, in the first meeting of this two-legged tie.
Tough draw for Basel
Basel have opened up a 14-point gap in their domestic campaign and appear to be heading for their 11th league title. As a result, they can now turn their full attention to this Europa League Round of 16 match. Standing in their way of a quarter-final place, are four-time former champions Sevilla.
The Swiss side have a decent home record in this competition, having lost just two of their last 14 matches at St. Jakob-Park. In the last round, they beat French Club St. Etienne 2-1 at home in the second leg to secure a 4-4 aggregate score-line, which saw them progress on the away goals rule.
Sevilla on course for third-straight title
Sevilla will begin their quest for a third-straight Europa League title when they make the trip to Switzerland on Thursday. The Spanish side have an impeccable home record over the last 15 games in all competitions, and will be hoping to at least be on level terms when the teams line up for the second leg in Andalucia.
Unai Emerys men have struggled away from home in La Liga and are the only team in the roster not to have won on the road this season. Their Europa League away form has been slightly better, with just one defeat in their last six, having won four and drawn the other.
Team news
Embolo is suspended for Basel, while Akanji, Boetius and Sporar are all injured. Bjarnason and Vaclík are the only other doubts.
Meanwhile, the visitors will be without Grzegorz Krychowiak, Marco Andreolli and Nicolas Pareja.
Recent form (All competitions)
Basel: DWWLW
Sevilla: DWLLD
Betting odds and tips
Sevilla have a good away record in this competition, but they have won just three of their last 22 away games in all competitions this season.
The draw can be backed at 13/5 with Bet365.
By Neil Morris
Published on: 07/03/2016
Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (07/03/2016 15:57:11) but are subject to change.
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