A first trophy for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer? Sevilla's sixth – that's right, sixth – Europa League title in 15 years? A redemptive success for Romelu Lukaku's Inter? An unexpected triumph for outsiders Shakhtar? All outcomes are genuinely possible and if our initial experience of one-leg knockouts taught us anything, it should be fascinating watching it all unfold. To aid your pre-match musings, here are our Europa League semi-final betting tips.
Sevilla vs Manchester United | Sunday August 16, 20:00 GMT
Man Utd have progressed from their last four European semi-finals, winning the trophy on two occasions. That's nothing compared to Sevilla – the Andalusians have progressed from their last five European semi-finals and won the trophy each time. That's five UEFA Cups/ Europa Leagues since 2006. The last time the sides met, in the 2017/18 Champions League, Sevilla beat United over two legs following a 2-1 win at Old Trafford.
United required extra-time to beat Copenhagen but 14 shots on target compared to none against suggests praise for Swedish stopper Karl-Johan Johnsson is more appropriate than criticism of the Red Devils. United's 21st penalty of the season – more than any club in Europe's top five leagues – saw them home. That's worth keeping in mind after Sevilla conceded a penalty after just 13 minutes against Wolves. Europa League top scorer Bruno Fernandes (7 goals) is always worth a goal scorer bet given United's favourable relationship with VAR.
Although Julen Lopetgui's side required a late goal to win their quarter-final, similarly that was just reward for dominance. 76% possession, 18 shots to Wolves' six, 681 passes to Wolves' 283. That win extended Sevilla's unbeaten run to 19 matches stretching back to February 9. One goal conceded in their last eight games is mightily impressive too – the sort of defensive solidity required to combat United's blistering attack.
Fatigue may be a prominent factor in this tie. With no Copa del Rey distractions, Sevilla sealed a top four with a 10-point buffer from Villarreal in fifth. The last few weeks of the season were played without pressure and without exertion while United toiled until the last minute to secure their own top four finish whilst also mounting an unsuccessful bid for the FA Cup. That extra-time against Copenhagen plays right into Sevilla's hands.
Match Odds: Sevilla (2/1) Draw (11/5) Man Utd (6/4)
Tip: Sevilla to go through (21/20)
Correct score: Sevilla 2-1 Man Utd (19/2)
Most likely to get a clean sheet on Sunday?
Sevilla & Manchester United have conceded just 4 goals each in this season's competition #UEL pic.twitter.com/b209omD0jw
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) August 13, 2020
Inter vs Shakhtar Donetsk | Monday August 17, 20:00 GMT
Another game, another goal, another record for Romelu Lukaku. The Belgian's opening strike against Bayer Leverkusen in the quarter-final – his 32nd goal of the season – extended his scoring run in the Europa League to nine games, something which has never been done previously. During that run, Lukaku has 12 goals and three assists. He's also claimed man of the match awards in Inter's last two matches.
Shakhtar are yet to lose a match since dropping down from the Champions League, and they appear to be peaking at the right time. In the last 101 minutes of Europa League action, they've scored seven goals after hitting Wolfsburg with three extremely late efforts and hammering Basel 7-1. The Ukrainian's man-most-likely is Junior Moraes who has five goals and two assists in his seven Europa League appearances this season.
Inter are unbeaten in 10 matches, with seven wins and six clean sheets. In fact, Kai Havertz's consolation for Leverkusen last time out was the only goal Antonio Conte's side have conceded in their last six matches. With a fully-functioning defence, a competent midfield, and a frontman like Lukaku at the top of his game, Inter have to be backed here.
Match Odds: Inter (3/4) Draw (14/5) Shakhtar Donetsk (18/5)
Tip: Match multi – Inter to win and Romelu Lukaku to score (17/10)
Correct score: Inter Milan 2-0 Shakhtar (17/2)
