Slavia Prague vs Sevilla Predictions

Given that Sevilla had looked menacing at home during the group stages, especially on their own patch, Slavia Prague seemingly had little chance of going to Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan and getting a result, though the Czech side surprised everyone when they drew 2-2, despite twice being behind. After drawing and scoring two away goals, Jindřich Trpišovský’s men will fancy themselves to upset the Spaniards and progress to the next round.

In truth, although the score-line suggested that the game was a close one, Slavia Prague were massively fortunate to leave Andalusia with a share of the spoils. They didn’t much in the way of creativity, as the fact that they clocked just 0.61 expected goals for suggests, while they conceded plenty, shipping 2.58 expected goals. As far as they’re concerned, the important thing is the fact that they notched twice and got the draw, though they’ll almost certainly have to perform better in this second leg if they’re to progress.

Fortunately, the performances of Thursday’s hosts at home have been pleasing in this competition. They’ve not been overly amazing in the final third, but they’ve defended very well and have restricted some decent sides to few opportunities. During the groups, the Czech outfit shipped no goals in front of a home crowd, while they shipped an average of just 0.14, which is very impressive, especially since they faced a couple of half-decent teams in Zenit and Bordeaux. Moreover, Slavia defended excellently when drawing 0-0 against Genk at this venue in the first knockout round. On that occasion, they were desperately unlucky not to score after they posted 2.49 expected goals for, while they once again gave little away, surrendering just 0.78.

As for Sevilla’s efforts on the road in this competition, well, it’s fair to say that the Andalusians have done well, though they’ve not been as pleasing defensively as the hosts have been at home. On the road during the groups, Sevilla shipped an average of 1.65 expected goals for, while they failed to keep a clean sheet and conceded a total of five goals in three games. They were of course useful going forward, but not so much so that such defensive numbers can be ignored.

Sevilla were the better team in the first leg but playing in Czech Republic presents a different challenge. Given that the Spanish side struggled defensively on the road during the group stages, it’s not overly difficult to see the hosts thriving. More importantly, it’s very easy to feel that Sevilla are slightly overpriced. Slavia Prague, who’re yet to concede a goal on home soil in the Europa League this season, have proved that they’re very tough to beat at home this season, so a bet on the hosts to come out on top, with the insurance that ‘Draw No Bet’ provides, is a hard to ignore.