Europa League final: Sevilla vs Benfica preview

May 13, 2014
By: Nemanja Lazarevic

Sevilla vs BenficaJuventus Arena in Turin will host the 2014 Europa League final between two-time winners Sevilla and last year’s finalists Benfica.

With the two sides pretty evenly matched at the moment and boasting impressive attacking players, this could be one of the most interesting competition finals in recent years.

Sevilla have been exceeding expectations on all fronts this term, with Unai Emery working wonders with a much changed squad from last season.

And while los Rojiblancos ultimately failed to mount a serious top 4 challenge in La Liga, a top 6 finish will be a just reward for their efforts.

Meanwhile, Sevilla surprised everyone by reaching the Europa League final, eliminating the likes of Real Betis, Porto and Valencia on the road to Turin.

It was an injury-time goal by Stephane M’Bia that secured progress into the final and no doubt los Rojiblancos face another tight game.

Sevilla have been made 3.40 (12/5) underdogs to win the clash in regular time, while they are priced at 2.25 (5/4) to lift the trophy.

Jairo Samperio misses out through suspension, whilst star forward Kevin Gameiro is unlikely to be available as he battles a knee injury.

Alberto Moreno and Vitolo are both rated doubtful, but star players Ivan Rakitic and Carlos Bacca will be in the starting line-up.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Beto – Coke, Fazio, Pareja, Navaro – M’Bia, Carrico – Marin, Rakitic, Reyes – Bacca.

Benfica have recovered well from what was a heartbreaking season and they are set to make the current campaign one of the most successful in club’s recent history.

The Primeira Liga and Taca de Liga titles are already in the bag, whilst the Eagles have made it to Europa League and Taca de Portugal finals.

Jorge Jesus’ rotation policy have ensured all key players remain fit for the final stretch of the season, with his side in stunning form since the turn of the year.

Benfica did lose the weekend’s league clash against rivals Porto, but nobody will be too downhearted by the result considering that the boss had fielded a second string line-up with the Sevilla game on his mind.

And with the Eagles already eliminating the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, AZ Alkmaar and Juventus, it is hardly surprising they have been made 1.73 (8/11) favourites to lift the trophy.

Benfica, too, will be missing several important players, but they, nonetheless, look a good bet to win the clash in regular time, at odds of 2.30 (13/10).

Enzo Perez and Eduardo Salvio are banned, while Lazar Markovic is still waiting to see whether his suspension will be overturned. Silvio Azevedo and Ljubomir Fejsa are out injured.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Oblak – Pereira, Garay, Luisao, Siqueira – Amorim, Gomes, Almeida – Rodrigo, Lima, Gaitan.

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