Liverpool v Sevilla Betting Preview

Back a draw in 90 minutes in the Europa League final

Liverpool

Despite a poor finish in the Premier League, Liverpool have definitely seen an improvement in their style and quality of football under Jurgen Klopp this season. The Reds finished eighth in the Premier League table, but only six points off fourth-place Manchester City. They’ve only lost two of their last 13 games in all competitions, ending the domestic season with two straight 1-1 draws against Chelsea and West Brom. The Anfield club would guarantee Champions League football next season if they were to lift the trophy on Wednesday night, an achievement which would act as redemption for their disappointing league finish.

Their Europa League form has been impressive with only one defeat in their 14 fixtures in the competition this season, with the only loss coming in the first leg of their semi-final against Villarreal. The Reds were unbeaten in the group stage and have also scored eight goals in their last three games in the competition. Goals haven’t been a problem for the Merseyside club this season, and Jurgen Klopp’s men have found the net in 19 of their last 20 matches in all competitions. They’ve won the UEFA Cup three times, with their last success coming back in 2001 when they defeated Deportivo Alaves 5-4 after extra time to lift the ‘Coupe UEFA’, and with their last European final ending in a 2-1 defeat to AC Milan back in 2007, Liverpool will go out all guns blazing on Wednesday night and I wouldn’t be surprised to see them lift the trophy once more.

Sevilla

Sevilla’s domestic season was poor by their standards as they finished the campaign seventh in the table with 52 points, their worst finish in three seasons. Los Rojiblancos lost their final three games in La Liga, a run that won’t give them a great deal of confidence heading into the biggest match of their season. Their Europa League form has been much more impressive, and despite losing two of their eight games in the competition, Unai Emery’s side produced two strong performances to see off Shakhtar Donetsk 5-3 on aggregate in the semi-final.

Despite not being the favourites heading into the game, Sevilla have history on their side which suggests that they have a very good chance of finishing the night with more European silverware in their hands. The Spanish club have won the competition four times, all of which have come in the last ten years. They’ll be looking to make it three Europa League titles in a row after defeating Benfica and Dnipro in 2014 and 2015 respectively. I’m backing Sevilla to take the game to extra time with a draw, but I can see Liverpool taking the spoils come the end of the night.

Head-to-Head

The two sides have never met in any competition, and the bookies have got both teams priced relatively evenly for Wednesday night’s big final, with Liverpool the marginal favourites to win their fourth UEFA Cup/Europa League.

To score – Kevin Gameiro 13/8

The Frenchman has been on fire for Sevilla this season, scoring 28 goals for the Spanish side in all competitions. He also has seven goals in his team’s eight Europa League appearances this season, including three over the two semi-final legs against Shakhtar Donetsk. He’ll pose a real threat to Liverpool’s defence, and I’m backing him to find the net in the final, priced at 13/8.

Both teams to score in 90 minutes – Yes 4/5

Both teams will be desperate to claim European glory in what has been a mediocre season for both sides in their respective league campaigns, and I’m expecting a fast-paced game full of attacking football. Both teams have scored in the last three European finals Liverpool have been involved in, and this has also been the case in 11 of the Merseyside club’s last 15 games this season. Both sides have found the net in four of Sevilla’s last five games in all competitions, and I’m backing both Liverpool and Sevilla to score on Wednesday night with odds of __.

Match odds – Draw 12/5

Both sides have the talent within their ranks to score goals and provide a strong challenge for their opponents, which is why this match is so difficult to call. Liverpool’s season has improved under Klopp, who has guided the Reds to a European final in his maiden season at Anfield. Liverpool to win the tie in 90 minutes is priced at 7/5. Sevilla will be looking to make it five Europa League wins in 11 seasons, and their third on the bounce, and I wouldn’t rule out a win for the Spanish side on the night as they’ve also got plenty to play for. You can pick up odds of 11/5 for a victory for Unai Emery’s team in 90 minutes. The draw looks the most likely result to me, and I’m backing odds of 12/5 for the two sides to take the game to extra time and possibly even penalties.

Writer’s prediction: Liverpool 1 – 1 Sevilla (AET) – Liverpool win on penalties

*Odds correct at the time of publication, click here for all the latest odds on upcoming football matches.