UEFA Europa League preview: Paris-Saint Germain – Sevilla FC
PSG looking to impress Europe
Europa league group G is one of the most competitive groups with three of the strongest teams in the competition pitted against each other. The group has failed to disappoint and fight for first place in the group is expected to be an enthralling affair.
As things stand, PSG are second in the group, a solitary point behind Sevilla, and a victory tonight will see them leapfrog in to first place. A defeat however will be a huge blow for the French a poor result coupled with a Borussia Dortmund
victory against Karpaty Lviv will put their progression hopes in jeopardy.
PSG have done extremely well on the domestic front and had it not been for a goalkeeping howler from Apoula Edel, Les Parisiens would have won against Olympique Lyon. Such a result would have sent PSG to the top of Ligue 1 charts. The
French have a history in Europe to protect as Antoine Kombouaré’s side were a force to reckon with in the 90s. With momentum going firmly in their favour, Les Rouge-et-Bleu will not want to derail their season with an underserved exit from the secondary European
competition.
Los Nervionenses falling from grace
Sevilla won the Europa league (formerly known as the UEFA Cup) in consecutive seasons (2005 and 2006). Despite selling stars players such as Sergio Ramos and Daniel Alves, the club played well for some time but things have gone bad at
Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán. While the club is suffering on financial front, the results on the pitch have been a grave concern. Despite finishing the season in the La Liga top four, Sevilla dropped out of the elite European competition tamely at the hands of Sporting
Braga.
Coach Manolo Jimenez was shown the door and Gregorio Manzano was brought in but the results have been equally bad. The 3-1 home defeat against Getafe is just the tip of the iceberg. However, Sevilla’s Europa league form has been on the
positive side as Rojiblancos sit atop their group and a victory in any of their next two games will seal them a place in the next round.
Team News
PSG
Jean-Eudes Marice has been ruled out of this game with an injury while the inclusion of Siake Tiene and Mevlut Erding is under clouds. PSG will be strengthened due to return of Mamadou Sakho and Clement Chantome as the duo returns from
suspension.
Sevilla FC
Sevilla’s manager will have headaches choosing a strong squad from an injury ravaged locker room. Star players Luis Fabiano and Jesus Navas have still not recovered from their injuries while Ivica Dragutinovic, Federico Fazio, Javi Varas,
Lautaro Acosta and Tiberio Guarente are also out of this game.
Key Players
Nene
The Brazilian scored a dramatic late winner against Rojiblancos in the first round of group stage. Nene will be hoping for lightening to striker twice as he lines up at his own ground. The Brazilian will provide the source of inspiration
for his team in a bid to leapfrog the group leaders.
Alvaro Negredo
With a shambolic Sevilla defence conceding a plenty, former Real Madrid striker will have to do the damage at the opposite end. Negredo has failed to repay the faith Sevilla hierarchy showed in him but he is still 25-years-old and has
an ideal opportunity to prove his worth. Negredo will want to add further to his one goal in Europe.
Prediction
PSG have done extremely well of late while Sevilla’s current form has been on the contrary. Home advantage coupled with better form will win the game for PSG by a slender 1 – 0 score line.
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