Europa League Final: Liverpool v Sevilla Live Preview & Betting – Can Reds Lift Trophy In Basel?

Wednesday 18th May. 7:45PM. BT Sport Europe

Cup final season is upon us, and Wednesday night’s action sees Liverpool take on Sevilla in the Europa League final.

In addition to a European trophy, a place in next year’s Champions League is on offer to the winner. After a long and difficult season, those prizes will be the perfect finale for the victor. But only one team can clinch the spoils.

Will it be Liverpool or Sevilla? Here’s everything you need to know.

Klopp Gunning For First Trophy

Jurgen Klopp’s revolution has shown positive signs sine the German took over towards the end of 2015. However, as far as the league was concerned, the damage was done long before the 48-year-old’s rival, which is why this competition has always been their best hope of Champions League football.

The Merseysiders will be desperate to win the trophy too, especially after losing the Capital One Cup final on penalties earlier this season. Early silverware will settle the nerves around Anfield to provide a solid foundation for next season, and Liverpool boast all the tools needed to thrive.

Going forward, the firepower and creativity of Daniel Sturridge, Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho could be crucial while the potential return of Jordan Henderson will be a huge boost. If James Milner can continue to provide the ammunition like he has since the turn of the year, Liverpool have very chance of putting Sevilla’s sloppy defence to the sword, particularly as the Spaniards haven’t kept a clean sheet in either of the last two rounds.

It won’t be easy for Liverpool, but they are a very special club when it comes to European football. They’ve already enjoyed some magical nights against Manchester United and Dortmund in this year’s competition. Victory at St Jakub Park would top the lot.

Sevilla Looking For Europa League Hat-Trick

Unai Emery has overseen a difficult campaign at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan in 2015/16, but the Rojiblancos still have every chance of winning this competition for a third successive season. Expect a much brighter performance than they’ve shown in recent domestic matches.

For all of their defensive weaknesses, this is still a team that scores goals for fun. Kevin Gameiro and co will always pose a threat, particularly against a Liverpool defence that’s missing Mamadou Sakho through suspension.

Sevilla have scored at least three goals in each of their last five Europa League games while the recent triumphs in this competition give them the experience needed to hit top gear from the off. Meanwhile, those recent heavy Liga defeats should be taken with a pinch of salt as their attentions have been focused on one prize.

Can they complete the hat-trick of Europa League wins? They’ll certainly give it a go. We could be in for an explosive final.

Liverpool v Sevilla Betting

The bookmakers believe that the magic of Klopp and Liverpool in Europe will be enough to see the Reds win the trophy. However, Bet365’s odds of 7/5 to suggest that they shouldn’t expect things all their own way. Sevilla are 11/5 to retain their trophy in 90 mins while a draw is priced 12/5.

This will be a final fuelled by passion and drama. The teams might take a little time to work each other out, but, once it catches fire, we expect to see fireworks.

The first goal could be vital, and we’re backing Liverpool to get it. Sturridge is the man we think is most likely to bag it, and with William Hill offering refunds on the second goalscorer, he has to be worth a punt.

Being a final, we’ve also looked at the SkyBet request-a-bet specials. Some of the 100/1 shots might sound tempting, but we’re loving the look of one 9/2 special.

If Liverpool have a good game, then both parts should sail in. It’s certainly no guarantee, but we’re optimistic that this will be a winner.