On Thursday, April 20, Sevilla will host Manchester United in the Europa League quarterfinal second leg at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium. Since the team has only lost one of their last five games in all competitions, morale has improved in the Sevilla camp in recent weeks. On the other hand, Manchester United has won three of their last five games in all competitions and is in good form going into this match.
This match’s first leg, which took place on April 13 at Old Trafford, ended in a 2-2 draw. Within 21 minutes, Marcel Sabitzer scored twice to give the hosts a commanding 2-0 lead. However, two late own goals from Tyrell Malacia (84′) and Harry Maguire (90+3′) brought the La Liga team level on the night. As a result, it is safe to say that this tie remains open because a win for either of the two teams will guarantee a spot in the semis.
We will examine three crucial individual conflicts in this article, each of which has the potential to influence the conflict’s outcome.
3) Antony vs Marcos AcuΓ±a
Antony is one of the trickiest wingers in the world, and his dribbling skills can get around any defender. The Brazilian hasn’t exactly hit excellent condition in a Manchester Joined shirt yet represents a danger to any guard.
The previous Ajax winger has gotten eight objectives and has enlisted two aids 35 appearances up to this point this season.
It won’t be easy to keep track of his movements on the right flank, so Marcos Acuna will have a tough night tonight. The Argentine, on the other hand, is strong in defense and gives Sevilla a way to attack down the left flank. This season, Acuna has contributed three assists and scored three goals across all competitions.
It will be fascinating to see who will arise on top in this fight this evening.
2) Youssef En-Nesyri vs Victor Lindelof
Despite Sevilla’s poor start to the season, Moroccan forward Youssef En-Nesyri has been solid in the final third and has impressed with his attacking contributions.
In 38 appearances, En-Nesyri has scored 14 goals and provided one assist. Because he knows how to properly position himself in the opposition’s penalty box, it is difficult to monitor his movements during the attack.
Therefore, in order to prevent the Moroccan from scoring, Victor Lindelof will need to work extremely hard. In the recent absence of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez, the Swede has demonstrated his durability. It will be interesting to see if he can assist Manchester United in keeping a clean sheet as his defensive tenacity will be put to the test.
1) Marcus Rashford vs Gonzalo Montiel
Marcus Rashford missed the principal leg of this tie because of a crotch injury and there are still question marks encompassing his wellness. The Englishman, on the other hand, is said to have traveled with the team to Spain and could play in this crucial match.
Rashford has been Erik Ten Witch’s most significant player in assault, having scored 27 objectives and enlisted 10 aids 47 appearances this season. If he is determined to be fit for the match, Sevilla will be particularly concerned about his movement in the final third and his deadly eye for goal, which has made him one of the most potent attackers in Europe this season.
As a result, Gonzalo Montiel will have to do everything in his power to silence Rashford, making the battle fascinating to watch.