UEL Semi-final 2022-23: Juventus vs Sevilla: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

The first leg of the UEL semi-finals is set to be underway as The Old Lady host Rojiblancos at Allianz Stadium on Thursday night.

Juventus are almost certain of an UEFA Champions League spot next season as their 15 points deducted due to financial misdemeanour before in the season has been reverted. But Massimo Allegri's men have a huge clash ahead in the Europa League against high flying Sevilla. Juventus have lost each of their last two home matches against Spanish opponents in European competition, failing to score in either game.

They were beaten by Barcelona in the group stages of the Champions League in 2020-21, and by Villarreal in the last 16 of the same competition that season. But The Old Lady have progressed from each of their last two major European semi-finals, both in the Champions League, eliminating Real Madrid in 2014-15 and Monaco in 2016-17. They were eliminated from their last Europa League semi-final in 2013-14 by Benfica.

Sevilla are considered the kings of the UEFA Europa League by many. They have reached the semi-finals of the Europa League on more occasions than any other side (5). Indeed, they have gone on to lift the trophy on every previous occasion when they have made it to the semi-final stage (2013-13, 2014-15, 2015-16 and 2019-2020). Sevilla have won each of their last six matches against Italian clubs in the Europa League, with each win coming during the knockout stages. The most recent of these matches saw them defeat Inter Milan in the final in 2019-20.

Kick-Off:

Thursday, 11-05-2023, 07:00 PM (GMT)

Friday, 12-05-2023, 12:30 AM (IST)

Juventus Form (All Competitions): W-W-D-L-L

Sevilla Form (All Competitions): W-L-W-W-W

Player to Watch Out

Juventus: Dusan Vlahovic

Vlahovic masters many fundamentals when it comes to finishing the play. However, the Individual Fundamental that sets him apart from the rest is his ability to prioritize accuracy over power when it comes to shooting. Thanks to his coordination skills, he is able to put the ball exactly where he wants. He has 2 goals and 1 assist in Europa League this season.

Sevilla: Youssef En-Nesyri

En-Nesyri is a surprisingly complete striker. Considering the fact that he stands at 6’2 and has a very lean frame you would be forgiven for assuming he is nothing other than a target man. The hero against Manchester United in the Quarterfinals, he will be gunning to make his presence felt throughout this tie.

Match Facts

Juventus and Sevilla have faced each other on four previous occasions in Europe, all in the Champions League between 2015-16 and 2016-17. Juventus have won two of the four encounters (D1, L1), while they remain unbeaten at home (W1, D1).

Sevilla have been in a good run of form in La Liga with four wins in their previous five matches but their away form has been a concern throughout the season.

Injury and Team News

Juventus will have to bank on Di Maria and the returning Dusan Vlahovic to provide them the goods up front with Kostic, Chiesa and Milik all in the race to start. Mattea De Sciglio is the only notable miss out with a cruciate ligament injury as Gati, Danilo and Reis will be the most probable backline for Allegri's men. Fagioli was clinical in his surges in the midfield against Atalanta and he might just be preferred over Paul Pogba who hasn't hit the heights since his comeback yet.

Sevilla's injury concerns are much more as their centre-back pairing are both going to miss the trip to Turin with injuries. Tanguy Nianzou and Marcao are both out with muscle injuries which means that Gudelj will have to shift in the back line alongside Bade. Suso and Tecatito haven't found game time lately and are also notable miss outs for this fixture. Ocampos, Oliver Torres and Erik Lamela will be the main troops for José Luis Mendilibar to provide the balls up front for Youssef En-Nesyri.

Head-to-head Stats

Matches – 5

Juventus– 3

Draws – 1

Sevilla– 1

Predicted Lineup

Juventus Predicted lineup (3-5-2): 

Szczesny; Gatti, Reis, Danilo; Cuadrado, Fagioli, Locatelli, Rabiot, Kostic; Di Maria, Vlahovic

Sevilla Predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): 

Bounou; Navas, Badé, Gudelj, Acuña; Fernando, Rakitić; Ocampos, Óliver Torres, Lamela; En-Nesyri

Prediction for Juventus vs Sevilla

Sevilla's away form has been a major concern throughout the season and it is very unlikely that The Old Lady will be stepping aside to allow any chances for The Los Sevillanos to ruin their party at the Allianz Stadium. Although it is going to be a close encounter, we expect Juventus to take a slender lead to Seville for the second leg next week.

Prediction: Juventus 2-1 Sevilla

Telecast

India – Sony Sports Network, JioTV, Sony LIV App, and Airtel XStream.

UK – BT Sport, BT Sports App

US –CBS Univision.

Nigeria – SuperSports