PSV vs Sevilla – Analysis, Prediction, Team News

As part of our Europa League predictions, we examine Sevilla’s visit to the Philips Stadion. With Sevilla bringing a healthy 3-0 lead with them, are PSV already out of the tie? Read on with our PSV vs Sevilla prediction.

PSV vs Sevilla Match Preview

PSV came through Group A in second place to Arsenal, having scored 15 goals – a group stage high this season – to be drawn with Sevilla. Domestically, the Eindhoven club have been in decent form in the Eredivisie. They sit fourth in the form guide over the last six games, having won three, drawn two, and lost one. They come into this game on the back of a 2-2 draw away in Utrecht. They’ve scored 13 goals over this period, though six came in one game against Groningen. Sitting in fourth place, six points from the top, and in the quarter-finals of the Dutch Cup, PSV have much to play for this season.

Sevilla dropped into the Europa League after a disappointing campaign in the Champions League, where they only managed one win – 3-0 at home to Copenhagen. Man City and Dortmund consequently finished above the Spaniards. Domestically, Sevilla have had their struggles this season. They lost half their fourteen games before the World Cup break, and relegation seemed a real possibility. They have steadied the ship since, and they have won four and only lost two of the last eight in La Liga. However, sitting in 12th with 25 points and only three ahead of Cadiz in 18th, Sevilla must keep improving to ensure they finish the domestic season well.

We predicted Sevilla to win 2-1 in the first leg last week in Spain. We underestimated the Andalusian side as they romped to a 3-0 victory, which may well have put the tie beyond PSV’s reach. The result was rather harsh on PSV, as Sevilla only had four shots on target and 54 per cent possession. Indeed, both teams expected goals were 1.04, and PSV controlled most of the first half.

However, the Dutch side were unable to capitalise. An En-Nesyri finish from a Navas cross put Sevilla 1-0 ahead on the stroke of half-time. Substitute Ocampos doubled the lead early in the second half before assisting Gudelj for the third. This result means Sevilla have won 23 of their last 25 home games in this competition, and it would take a massive effort for PSV to turn this tie around.

Team News

Injuries and Suspensions

PSV:

Might Not Play: Hazard

Will Not Play: Savio, El-Ghazi

Sevilla:

Might Not Play: Rakitic

Will Not Play: Bade, Marcao, Rekik, Gomez, Corona

PSV vs Sevilla Lineups (Predicted)

PSV Eindhoven (4-2-3-1): Benitez; van Aanholt, Obispo, Branthwaite, Teze; Junior, Veerman; Xavi Simons, Til, Bakayoko; De Jong

Sevilla: (3-4-3): Bono; Fernando, Gudelj, Nianzou; Telles, Jordan, Torres, Navas; Ocampos, En-Nesyri, Suso

Our Prediction

This game is challenging to predict, as it is unclear how Sevilla will line up. Of course, they will not want to take risks, but coach Jorge Sampaoli may think they have one foot in the round of 16. Consequently, he may rest some of his starting players, such as En-Nesyri or Navas. This would be a risky game to play, however, as PSV have lost just one of their previous nine games at home in the Europa League. The Dutch side have proved they can score goals this season, and if Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s men get one back in the first 15 or 20 minutes, Sevilla might feel the pressure.

PSV will look to their front four and their full-backs to try to create. Van Aanholt is a danger from left-back, and Simons and Til will interchange in the final third, looking to find little gaps between the lines where they can hurt Sevilla. The dribbling and shooting of the three behind De Jong could see them create chances. De Jong will also want to get in on the act as he sniffs around in search of opportunities in the penalty area.

Sevilla might keep it cagey early to try to quieten the stadium. However, their wing-backs are a huge threat down the sides, particularly if PSV aren’t diligent in covering these spaces. Torres might play in central midfield, and we see Ocampos getting a start after his great display from the bench last week. The Argentinean is a threat on both flanks, but especially the left. His and Suso’s dribbling and trickery could get the goal which will surely end this tie if it isn’t over already.

Sevilla haven’t won away in Europe for nine games, yet PSV have not defeated a Spanish side at home in the last seven. Therefore, this match could be a stalemate. PSV will likely come out firing. They will be determined to start well and get back in the tie backed by a boisterous home crowd. However, Sevilla tend to be resolute defensively, and they have experience in this competition as record six-time winners to weather the storm. A score draw and Sevilla progression seems sensible.

PSV Eindhoven 1-1 Sevilla

PSV vs Sevilla Betting Tip – Draw Odds: