Wolves face Sevilla at MSV-Arena in Duisburg in the last Quarter-Final of this season’s Europa League.
Wolves are bidding to reach their first UEFA semi-final since finishing runners-up in this competition in 1971-72 season, whereas Sevilla are looking to reach their seventh Europa League semi-final and first since winning this competition in May 2016.
Team News
Embed from Getty ImagesJonny is ruled out for rest of season for Wolves after suffering a knee injury in the second leg victory of their Round of 16 tie against Olympiacos.
Daniel Podence meanwhile is suspended after picking up his third booking of the season last week, but Nuno Espirito Santo otherwise has a full squad available for selection.
Sevilla have no fresh injury concerns to report as Nemanja Gudelj remains absent after testing positive for Coronavirus prior to Thursday’s Round of 16 win over Roma.
Stat Attack
- This is Wolves’ first ever meetings against Sevilla in all competitions.
- Wolves have won just one of four previous meetings against Spanish opposition (W1, L3).
- Sevilla are unbeaten in five of their last six meetings against English opposition in all UEFA competitions (W2, D3, L1).
- Just five of Wolves’ 91 goals in all competitions this season have come from the penalty spot, courtesy of Raul Jimenez who netted all five penalties.
- Sevilla are unbeaten in their last three UEFA matches played at an neutral venue excluding penalty shootouts (W2, D1).
Prediction
Wolves produced a great defensive display against Olympiacos with particular praise for Rui Patricio, although they do have to be more clinical in this business end of season if they are to win this tournament and guarantee Champions League football next season.
Sevilla meanwhile have a fine pedigree in this competition and are currently in strong form against English opposition, so will be relishing this clash after a ruthless display against Roma last Thursday in which they capitalised on free space.
I therefore feel that Wolves not only need to be clinical here but also play a tight compact game to limit Sevilla’s opportunities, otherwise they can not only kiss goodbye to a maiden European trophy but also any international football next season.
Prediction: Wolves 1-2 Sevilla
Result: Wolves 0-1 Sevilla