Europa League tips for the 2020 semi-finals

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Europa League tips for the 2020 semi-finals

Europa League tips for the 2020 semi-finals

 

 

There were only four left! The Europa League final tournament in North Rhine-Westphalia is advancing rapidly, with the first semi-final already on Sunday. With Sevilla FC, the Europa League record winner will meet the biggest favorite: Manchester United. In the second duel the following day, Shakhtar Donetsk and Inter Milan fight for the remaining place in the final. Will the favorites prevail as expected in the semifinals or will we see surprises in Cologne and Düsseldorf?

Sevilla FC vs Manchester United Betting Predictions and Odds

Sevilla FC vs Manchester United Betting Predictions and Odds by PicksSoccer Experts

Date: 16 August 2020

When Manchester United competed against FC Copenhagen on Monday evening, many observers expected a clear issue: Not only did a billion-dollar team meet a club from the lowlands of European club football. One of the best-form teams in Europe (United) also met a team that had not played a competitive game for two months. A sovereign United win, almost in passing, seemed likely. But it turned out differently. Copenhagen came up with an extremely strong and passionate team that did not seek their salvation on the defensive alone, but also put pinpricks. United was still the leading team – but either the attacks on the Danish defensive bar fizzled out or goalkeeper Johnsson parried. The Copenhagen goalkeeper had a world-class night – and the post broke for the two times he seemed beaten.

So it came about that United ultimately had to sit down: The game was only decided in extra time. After a strong single action by attacker Martial, Copenhagen’s defender Bjellands only knew what to do with a foul, so Bruno Fernandes was able to make the decision from the penalty spot. With his safe penalty, the Portuguese once again demonstrated his strong nerves and callousness with the ball at rest. So victorious but by no means overjoyed Red Devils left the field. Because it was clear to everyone: This performance was not worthy of a top favorite. As respectful as FC Copenhagen may have played as a team – 90 minutes should be enough for a Premier League giant to win. The reviews of the local press were accordingly mixed after the game. Against Sevilla, that much is clear, United will have to improve.

The Andalusians are something like the bogeyman of the Europa League: in no single year did they start the competition as favorites, and yet nobody won the title more often than Sevilla FC. The club can already record five successes, and hopes for number six have grown after the successful quarter-finals. Already there the Spaniards faced an English team, the Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Premier League sixth turned out to be extremely destructive in the playing area and concentrated on defending for a long time. Accordingly, Sevilla was the team that dominated the ball and ran against the goal of Rui Patricio. The ball didn’t want to cross the line for a long time, despite good chances – but the spell broke in the 87th minute: Leading player Ocampos headed his club into the semi-finals.

There, the fourth in the Spanish league is likely to find himself in a completely different role: unlike Wolverhampton, United will not choose a primarily defensive route – on the contrary: Seville has to be prepared to give up ball possession shares. Nothing new for a team that competes against Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atletico (at least) six times a year. The problem: Against the Spanish top clubs, the Andalusians did not achieve a single win this season (three draws, three draws).

United can therefore undoubtedly be regarded as a favorite, with the stronger individual players and the better (result) form. After the mixed performance against Copenhagen, the team should be keen to make better use of their almost limitless offensive potential. And as honorable as Seville’s Europa Leauge history may be: This year United should be a size too big.

Betting Prediction: United wins in regular time
Odds: 2.40

Shakhtar Donetsk vs Inter Milan Betting Predictions and Odds

Shakhtar Donetsk vs Inter Milan Betting Predictions and Odds by PicksSoccer Experts

Date: 17 August 2020

Shakhtar Donetsk versus Inter Milan – a very interesting semi-final! The traditional Italian club seems to be the clear favorite, but the Ukrainians are something like the “dark horse” of the semifinals: It’s hard to say how close Shakhtar can come to the Milanese level – although the preliminary answer should be “damn close”.

The Ukrainians have scored 7-1 goals since the restart of the Europa League. This makes them the most accurate team in the international post-corona season. In the round of 16, the club took VfL Wolfsburg apart (3-0), then FC Basel had to believe it (4-1). In both games, it was the fluid offensive that made the difference: Schachtar’s mostly South American attack around Captain Taison has enjoyed a good reputation for years – but this year the machine seems particularly well oiled. The two demonstrations of power against Wolfsburg and Basel can certainly be seen as pointers towards Italy.

In Milan, the path to the semi-finals was quieter: Inter first got rid of Getafe (2-0), then they beat Bayer 04 Leverkusen (2-1). Against the Werkself, Antonio Conte’s team benefited from a good start and an associated 2-0 lead. As a result, the team showed how well they can guard their own box. Possibly the most important competence of the team in the fight against Schachtar, because it is clear that Milan will set their points offensively: Romelu Lukaku was already the different player against Leverkusen, his 2-0 goal is symbolic of his strengths: Extremely robust, strong, determined. With four goals in four Europa League appearances, the Belgian shines with the best goal rate in the entire ranking – and is also the best still active goalscorer.

Ultimately, in the direct duel between Shakhtar and Donetsk, you can count on two extremely accomplished offensives – which means that the X-factor is at the other end of the field. Which team can fend off the strong enemy attack better? Here we see Inter Milan with its catenaccio tradition and warriors like Diego Godin, Ashley Young, or Danilo d’Ambrosio at an advantage – and accordingly the Italians in the final.

Betting Prediction: Inter Milan reach the final
Odds: 1.75

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