Wolves vs Sevilla: Predictions, betting tips, odds & match preview
Wolves have reached the quarter-finals of a major European competition for the first time since 1972. However, their opponents this Tuesday – Sevilla – are veterans of the competition, having been holders five times in the last decade alone.
So, can Nuno Santo and his men add another caveat to a season that has already impressed so many? Or will they fall prey to an overpowering performance from Los Palanganas? Take a read of our predictions and betting tips below and find out…
Wolves vs Sevilla Preview
This Tuesday’s hosts survived two tough RO16 encounters against Olympiakos to secure passage into the Europa League quarterfinals.
The first was a tetchy affair at the Karaiskakis Stadium, featuring a Ruben Semedo red card, a wonderful Pedro Neto equaliser, and a whole barrage of shots – 13 to be specific – that Wolves were unable to convert to lessen the stress on themselves ahead of the second leg at the Molineux.
Not claiming all three points meant that they would have to put in a performance for the ages in the second leg clash, albeit on home turf, to secure their first venture into the quarterfinals in 48 years.
Yet it was VAR (Video Assistance Refereeing) that made the headlines and helped the hosts over the line with a penalty call in the eighth minute after Daniel Podence had been fouled by keeper Bobby Allian. The resulting kick, converted by none other than Raul Jimenez for his 27th goal of the season, was enough to seal the three points for Santo’s men.
Sure, Olympiakos had plenty of chances to hit back at Wolves after their early opener, from Mady Camara’s ruled-out equaliser via VAR, to Kostas Tsimikias’ near-post shot that almost fooled Rui Patricio.
Yet, the Wanderers held steadfast and now prepare themselves for a face-off against one of the Europa League’s very best customers: Sevilla.
Just like Wolves, Julen Lopetegui’s men also were the superior team in their RO16 clash with Roma, with two first-half goals from Sergio Reguilon and Youssef En-Nesyri enough to secure them passage into the quarterfinals.
The La Liga side made lightwork of Roma, from Lucas Ocampos’ attacking surges all the way through to En-Nesyri’s compelling strikes.
They now prepare to lock horns with one of the Premier League’s finest this Tuesday, with a chip on their shoulder ahead of the clash.
18+ Only. Terms and Conditions Apply. Odds correct at time of writing.
Wolves vs Sevilla Predictions
This Tuesday’s hosts put up quite the fight against Olympiakos last week, proving that they certainly possess the spirit and grit to fend off a Sevilla team well-versed in the art of battling through the business end of the Europa League.
Indeed, against Pedro Martin’s men, it was a steely defensive show that helped the Wanderers secure passage to the quarterfinals, with the likes of Willy Boly and Patricio a force amongst the back four.
On the other end of the pitch, the attack was just as compelling to watch, with Daniel Podence and Jimenez linking up well together to dismantle the opposition attack.
Unfortunately, the former didn’t take being subbed off well enough and the resulting yellow card means he’ll be watching the game from the sidelines – not a good omen for the hosts, and something Sevilla fans and players alike will see as a reprieve.
The Portuguese footballer has been a valuable asset to the Wolves attack, though his inclusion in the side only arrived half-way through the season. His absence this week will weaken the hosts’ attacks, given how instrumental he was in the second leg of the RO16 clash, securing the penalty and plenty of forthcoming chances.
But where Podence is taken out, the likes of Adama Traore and Ruben Neves will prove to be just as dangerous and menacing.
The only possible caveat to performances that have enticed across the pitch, is the inability to keep their foot on the gas at all times, as was evident against Olympiakos.
Indeed, the Martins’ men exposed the chink in the collective armour when they fired more shots against the Wolves back four (16) than any other team did across the 2019/20 Premier League season.
Offering so many opportunities to a team far more clinical than Olympiakos means that the visitors shouldn’t find it hard to get onto the score sheet.
However, with the record that Wolves do possess at home, the chances of them emerging with three points in hand are definitely worth wagering on.
Our final verdict? Sevilla to be turned away from doing damage in the latter stages of the Europa League. Expect a sulky trek back to Spain.
Squawka Bet Tip: Both teams to score @ EVS with Paddy Power – odds correct at the time of writing
Aside from goals, Jimenez is a key instigator in patterns of passing…
Squawka Stat: Wolves have won four consecutive home games in European competition without conceding a single goal for the first time in their history.
It’s quite the stat, given the kind of opposition on the horizon, and adds to a season already rampant with records and impressive streaks galore.
But in a European context, the accolades at home are an especially important one, given the caliber of opposition they face. Santos’ men face a Sevilla side that have dominated the latter end of this competition for the last decade, winning it three years in a row from 2013 to 2016, and then twice from 2004 to 2006.
As such, the territory is indeed familiar for Lopetegui’s men, meanwhile Wolves dive into the fray for the first time in just under half a century.
The hosts’ saving grace may just be their own familiarity, yet at Molineux – a ground where they’ve played some of their best football since 1889. Combined with Sevilla’s questionable record on the road, especially in Premier League waters, there’s half a chance for Wolves to usurp the betting favourites with an upset for the ages and add to that winning tally in their own backyard.
Below we’ve outlined the kind of starting XI we expect to line up against Sevilla…
Wolves Form
Wolves 1-0 Olympiacos (06/08/20 – Europa League second leg RO16)
Chelsea 2-0 Wolves (26/07/20 – Premier League)
Wolves 2-0 Crystal Palace (20/07/20 – Premier League)
Burnley 1-1 Wolves (15/07/20 – Premier League)
Wolves 3-0 Everton (12/07/20 – Premier League)
Sevilla Form
Sevilla 2-0 Roma (06/08/20 – Europa League second leg RO16)
Sevilla 1-0 Valencia (19/07/20 – La Liga)
Real Sociedad 0-0 Sevilla (16/07/20 – La Liga)
Sevilla 2-0 Mallorca (12/07/20 – La Liga)
Athletic Club 1-0 Sevilla (09/07/20 – La Liga)
Sevilla 1-0 Eibar (06/07/20 – La Liga)
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