Manchester United host Sevilla in their first-leg UEFA Europa League quarter-final tie on Thursday as both sides aim to move further into the competition. Heading into the fixture on the back of an impressive league outing against Everton the Red Devils will be keen on building on their winning momentum whilst the visitors will look to improve their prospects having been inconsistent in their performances throughout the season.
Having secured a comfortable 5-1 aggregate victory over Real Betis in their round-of-16 tie, United will be confident in moving forward into the competition as they aim to compete for the trophy over the coming weeks. With the team needing to build winning momentum moving into the busy end of the season, Erik Ten Hag’s side will be keen on finding consistency in their results across all competitions over the remainder of the season.
On the other hand, having endured a difficult campaign, Sevilla will be keen on changing their prospects over the remainder of the season. Whilst the La Liga side have finished fourth in each of their last three league campaigns, Jose Luis Mendilibar’s team are unlikely to secure a Champions League spot this time around as they stand in 13th in the table – 19 points behind fourth-placed Real Sociedad – ahead of the tie against United. With the Europa League offering them the only plausible opportunity to secure Champions League qualification, the Spanish side will be keen on delivering a competitive performance against the Red Devils.
When & Where?
Venue: Old Trafford.
Date: Thursday, 13th April 2023.
Time: 19:00 GMT.
Match Officials
Referee: Felix Zwayer.
Assistant Referees: Stefan Lupp, Marco Achmuller.
Fourth Official: Sven Jablonski.
VAR Official: Christian Dingert.
Team News
Manchester United
Plagued with injuries, United will be needing to find consistency in their performances over the coming weeks. Marcus Rashford and Luke Shaw remain sidelined due to injuries whilst the likes of Donny Van De Beek, Alejandro Garnacho and Tom Heaton remain out of contention as they continue their recovery from injuries.
Casemiro is expected to return to the starting line-up having been available for European fixtures alongside completing his domestic suspension while Christian Eriksen is set to, once again, make the bench having returned to the match-day squad last weekend. Anthony Martial is likely to push for a starting spot whilst Scott McTominay is set to retain his place in the starting line-up, having delivered a slew of promising performances.
Sevilla
Joan Jordon and Jesus Manuel Corona remain out of contention due to injuries while Pape Cheikh remains ineligible to feature on Thursday. Lucas Ocampos is set to return to the starting line-up having returned from injury whilst Marcos Acuna is set to replace loanee Alex Telles at left-back despite the latter being available to feature against his parent club at Old Trafford.
Match Analysis
With both teams needing a positive result, Thursday’s fixture is likely to provide for an exciting match-up on the pitch. Unbeaten in two league fixtures heading into the game against Sevilla, the hosts will be keen on finding consistency in their results whilst the visitors will look to deliver a competitive display at Old Trafford.
Likely to aim in maintaining control of possession for most part of the game, United will look to emerge as the dominant team from the first whilst on Thursday. With the visitors expected to deploy a low block, Ten Hag’s side will look for an early breakthrough, with the team expected to look to secure a compelling victory. Moreover, having been defensively solid in recent outings, the Red Devils will be keen on keeping a clean sheet against Sevilla.
Meanwhile, likely to aim in securing at least a draw at Old Trafford, Sevilla will be keen on delivering a challenging performance on Thursday. Although having not struggled to score goals, the visitors will be wary of United’s solid defence as they aim to find the back of the net at some point during the game at Old Trafford. Moreover, with set-pieces likely to offer them goal-scoring opportunities, the La Liga side will look to make the best of the same on Thursday.
Key Players
Anthony Martial – Manchester United
Expected to be included in the starting line-up on Thursday, Martial will be keen on having a significant impact against Sevilla. With the forward continuing to build on his match fitness, the Frenchman will look to find the back of the net at Old Trafford.
Youssef En-Nesyri – Sevilla
Sevilla’s leading goal-scorer (14) this season, the forward will be keen on testing United’s defence on Thursday. With the Moroccan needing to deliver an impactful performance, En-Nesyri will be keen on positively impacting the visitors’ prospects at Old Trafford.
Predicted Line-Ups
Manchester United predicted lineup vs Sevilla: David De Gea; Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia; Casemiro, Scott McTominay, Bruno Fernandes; Antony, Anthony Martial, Jadon Sancho.
Sevilla predicted lineup vs Manchester United: Yassine Bounou; Gonzalo Montiel, Loic Bade, Nemanja Gudelj, Marcos Acuna; Fernando, Ivan Rakitic; Lucas Ocampos, Oliver Torres, Erik Lamela; Youssef En-Nesyri.
