Champions League: Manchester United play Sevilla in must win second leg

A goalless draw in the first leg brings us a must win second leg to Old Trafford. Manchester is not to be messed with after a rivalry triumph and Sevilla must prove, Spanish football rules.

The second set of the Round of 16 kicks off later this evening, with Sevilla travelling to a dangerous place in Old Trafford. After two of United’s rivals came short in back-to-back fixtures here – Sevilla must be thinking what to do.

The encounter will be spoilt with goals after only being able to entertain with a stalemate, last run out between the two competitors. The game should see another different approach from Jose as sitting back is not an option.

If United pass the Spanish test tonight – they will be the third English team to progress, along with Liverpool, and Manchester City. United will want to keep up with their counterparts after such a successful run of five games involving, the FA Cup and Premier League campaign.

The last English team [Tottenham] who were unable to make sure in their first leg away, paid the ultimate price of elimination.

Man United’s boost ahead of the Champions League fixture

Jose Mourinho has a few key players missing. However, he can be thankful two influential players are back and ready for selection.

Paul Pogba, who missed the weekend’s duel – where his teammates came out tops, was named in the squad by Mourinho. Another player who offers selection problems for the manager is, Anthony Martial.

With Rashford’s stella performance over the weekend and Martial missing two games prior to this evening – I think we will definitely see the Englishman over the Frenchman. Although these two players are back – there were no suggestions they’ve been sorely missed by the team.

Each player has been in fine fettle and achieved great results in recent weeks. Hands down, after the attacking display the team put up over the weekend, one and many have pegged United as favourites – especially because of them playing at home.

United have only conceded four goals in the last five outings – it will take the visitors a lot of questioning on de Gea’s goalmouth if they trying to get anything from this game.

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What’s the worst that could happen?

Sevilla could score first and turn the game into a total frenzy. Everybody knows – the away goal is like gold in the Champions League, if you possess it going into the next leg, you have a great playing hand.

The other danger – not having any goals and having to play full-out attack. You risk being left exposed on the counter. The more the game wears on – the more this becomes the key part to an away team’s game.

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We’ve seen real powerhouses fail when the opposing teams, dot their I’s and cross their T’s, to a 100% excellence. It will have to be some part of Sevilla’s gameplan tonight.

This does provide the outlook of one good game to be anticipated and hopefully it plays out to be. Man United favourites and Sevilla as the underdogs. European football at its best.

Match time: 19:45 GMT; 21:45 CAT; 14:45 EST
Venue: Old Trafford
Score prediction: 2-0

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