2016 UEFA Europa League Final – Sevilla Team Preview / Predictions

Sevilla (+172)

Team Strengths:

With star striker Carlos Bacca departing for AC Milan last summer, many feared the worst for Sevilla FC. Fortunately for the Spanish club, Kevin Gameiro stepped up big time and carried the team on his shoulders this season. The Frenchman has scored a whopping seven goals in the UEFA Europa League this campaign, including the winning penalty against Athletic Bilbao. That’s half of Sevilla’s goal total in this season’s competition.

What makes Sevilla such a tough team to beat in this competition is their vast experience. They have won this tournament an incredible four times in the last nine years. Much of the credit for Sevilla’s European dominance should go to manager Unai Emery. His relentless work ethic has helped Sevilla conquer the second tier of European competition twice. The Los Rojiblancos will rely on Emery’s tactical nous for them to nab a record third consecutive Europa League triumph. They are pegged at +172 to do just that.

Team Weaknesses:

As good as Gameiro can be, Sevilla’s attack is as anemic as they come. The Spanish side has struggled to put the ball in the back of the net this season, scoring just 14 goals in the Europa League this campaign. Their flailing attack is the main reason why they failed to win a single away game in La Liga this season, the only team in Europe’s top five leagues to do so this term. The onus then is on Vitolo and Ever Banega to provide support to Gameiro up front for Sevilla. They have combined for 13 goals for Sevilla this season.

Team Stats (During Europa League):

Category | Stat
Goals Scored Per Game | 1.75
Goals Conceded Per Game | 0.88
Goal Attempts Per Game | 12.75
Pass Completion Percentage | 86%
Ball Possession Percentage | 53%

Starting Lineup:

Position | Name (Age) | Career Appearances (Sevilla) | Goals
Goalie | David Soria (30) | 16 | 0
Defender | Mariano (29) | 23 | 0
Defender | Adil Rami (30) | 28 | 0
Defender | Daniel Carriço (27) | 42 | 2
Defender | Benoît Trémoulinas (30) | 44 | 0
Midfielder | Grzegorz Krychowiak (26) | 57 | 2
Midfielder | Steven N’Zonzi (27) | 28 | 3
Midfielder | Coke (29) | 117 | 9
Midfielder | Éver Banega (27) | 59 | 8
Wing Forward | Vitolo (26) | 85 | 12
Forward | Kévin Gameiro (29) | 92 | 39

Writer’s Prediction

Sevilla’s two-year Europa League reign ends with a heart-breaking penalty shootout (+225) loss to Liverpool.

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