Europa League preview and odds: Shakhtar Donetsk vs Sevilla

Published on: 25/04/2016

Europa League preview and odds: Shakhtar Donetsk vs Sevilla

April 28, 2016 21:05pm - Donbass Arena

Europa League - semi-final first leg

Reigning champions Sevilla face a tricky trip to Ukraine as they attempt to secure a third-straight Europa League crown. Meanwhile, Shaktar Donetsk will be out to retain their unbeaten record in this season`s campaign.

Shaktar in hunt for second Euro title

Shaktar Donetsk are no strangers to European glory having won UEFA`s second tier tournament back in 2009. If they are to remain on course for their second crown, they will need to overcome the challenge of reigning champions and four-time former winners Sevilla.

The Ukrainian side have yet to lose a game in this year`s competition, having played six matches since they dropped out of the Champions League. They have only lost one of their last 14 home games in this competition (including UEFA Cup).

Sevilla on course for fourth title

Sevilla`s quest for a third-straight Europe League title and their fourth overall will continue on Thursday when they make the long trip to Ukraine to face 2009 champions Shaktar Donetsk.

Unai Emery and his men have completely dominated this tournament over the last three years, and now hold the distinction of being the only team ever to have reached three consecutive semi-finals.

However, it has not been an east ride for the Andalucians who had to rely on the lottery of a penalty shootout to overcome fellow Spaniards Athletic Club in the last round.

Team news

The Spanish side will be hampered by the absence of Adil Rami, Vitolo, Benoit Tremoulinas and Marco Andreolli.

Recent form (All competitions)

Shakhtar Donetsk: DDWWD

Sevilla: WLDWL

Betting odds and tips

Sevilla have not been great on the road the season, with their only away victory outside of the Copa del Rey coming in the last round of this competition in Bilbao.

The draw looks like the best at 12/5 with Bet365.

Published on: 25/04/2016

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (25/04/2016 16:20:55) but are subject to change.