Sevilla FC vs Manchester United: Preview, team news, facts and score prediction

Sevilla FC will be hosting Manchester United at Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán on Thursday in their Champions League Round of 16 fixture.

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The Red Devils are appearing after four years in the knockout stages of elite European competition. Manchester United returned to winning ways against Huddersfield Town in The FA Cup after being defeated by Newcastle United in the Premier League.Also, manager Jose Mourinho's quest for his third Champions League triumph continues, after having won with FC Porto and Inter Milan in 2004 and 2010 respectively.

Vincenzo Montella, who took charge of the Spanish club at the end of December has brought a change in fortunes for Sevilla who were struggling in La Liga. They currently sit fifth in the Spanish league, six points behind Real Madrid who occupy the final Champions League qualification place.

They have also reached the Copa del Rey final, where they will face Barcelona in April.

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Sevilla vs Manchester United: Kickoff information

Date: 22nd February 2018.

Kickoff: 19:45 (local time), 1:15 PM (IST)

Venue: Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán

Referee: Clement Turpin

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Team News

Manchester United

Mourinho will have to make the difficult decisions as he has to make many changes to the squad. David de Gea will be the custodian for Manchester United as usual. Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo are injured and will miss the first leg of the clash at Seville.

Eric Bailly is back to the squad after surgery and could make his 50th appearance for the club. He played as a late substitute against Huddersfield Town.

Paul Pogba remained sidelined in the previous fixture owing to his illness and could be back in the starting XI. Along with Pogba, Nemanja Matic is expected to play the pivotal role in the midfield.

The Red Devils' new signing, Alexis Sanchez, is also likely to make his debut for Manchester United in the Champions League. Romelu Lukaku is expected the lead the attacking line for Manchester United.

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Manchester United form guide: W-L-W-L-W

Manchester United possible starting XI:

David de Gea(GK); Antonio Valencia, Chris Smalling, Eric Bailly, Luke Shaw; Nemanja Matic, Paul Pogba; Antony Martial, Jesse Lingard, Alexis Sanchez; Romelu Lukaku.

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Sevilla FC

Sevilla FC are another injury-plagued side who are without many of their starting players. Sergio Rico will start in goal for the hosts in the Champions League clash.

In defence, Sebastien Corchia will miss the clash owing to the groin injury. Joaquin Correa has picked up a knock and will remain sidelined for this fixture. Sevilla FC's new signing, Miguel Layun is cup-tied with Porto.

Former Manchester City attacker Nolito has recovered from injury and will most probably be starting on the bench. Ben Yedder will be leading the attack for the home team.

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Sevilla form guide: D-L-W-W-W

Sevilla possible starting XI:

Sergio Rico(GK); Carrico, Mercado, Lenglet, Escudero; N'Zonzi, Ever Banega; Sarabia, Vazquez, Jesus Navas; Wissam Ben Yedder

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Key Facts

* Sevilla FC have never won a UEFA Champions League round of 16 tie.

* This is the English club's tenth round of 16 draw (W6 L3) and their first since facing Olympiacos FC in 2013/14 (0-2 away, 3-0 home).

* The Manchester outfit have won only two of their nine away games at this stage (D4 L3).

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Prediction

Although Manchester United are a bit off colour at the moment, they are always a dangerous side in the knockout stages.

Score:

Sevilla 0-1 Manchester United