Sevilla’s pedigree to conquer Dnipro’s pluckiness in Europa win
Published:
In Europa League terms, the 2014/15 final in Warsaw is real David against Goliath stuff, with Sevilla playing the part of fabled giant and Dnipro adopting the sling. However, this UEFA-based parable is likely to have a different outcome to the original tale.
Sevilla are aiming for unparalleled success in the competition as they seek a fourth trophy in just nine seasons, and their second in a row after seeing off Benfica a year ago, albeit on penalties after an uber-tense 120-minute stalemate.
Displaying such a lust for this maligned prize, even before the golden ticket of Champions League entry was attached to it this season, Unai Emery’s Europa League behemoths are extremely hard to back against.
The 4/7 available on the 90-minute win in Warsaw is the sensible place to begin the bidding, though the Spaniard’s impeccable record over the full distance – their two previous wins came courtesy of spot kicks – makes lifting the trophy, at 2/7, another one for the list.
However, there will be more value-seeking bets available after making the case against the awkward 11/2 underdogs from Ukraine.
Myron Markevych’s side have shown real tactical astuteness, with fairly limited flair barring star player Yevhen Konoplyanka, to plot a route to this final.
Having left the likes of pre-tournament favourites Napoli to trail in their wake, Dnipro’s threat cannot be discarded, but simply put; they haven’t come across Sevilla yet.
The Spaniard’s have recorded 10 wins, three draws and only a single loss in the Europa League this term, scoring a tournament-high 26 goals to Dnipro’s 13.
In fact, where their opponents have succumbed to two losses in five all-competition games prior to this showdown in the Polish capital, Los Blanquirrojos have only lost once in all competitions (2-3 to Real Madrid) since February, racing to six wins in eight .
Averaging 1.88 goals per game in the competition this season, the 3/4 about over 1.5 away goals resonates, as do two separate wincast bets on the favourites.
Top scorer Carlos Bacca finding the net in victory is 8/5, while his foil Kevin Gameiro, who has scored in each of Sevilla’s last three two-legged ties, also rates a fine punt at 7/4 in the same market.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
Fancy a flutter? Sign up today to claim up to £25 in free bets.
