Sevilla vs Standard Liege 21/09/18

21 September 2018

The Europa League Group J opener will take place at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, with Sevilla looking to face-off against the Belgium side Standard Liege.

Los Hispalenses are not having the best of times, considering they’ve lost two straight La Liga matches, to Real Betis and Getafe, without finding the back of the net once. The remarkable success in the Europa League qualifications that saw the Andalusians scoring seventeen goals in six matches has already been erased by a turbulent start in the domestic championship, as Los Rojiblancos only wrapped up four points in as many games. Pablo Machin desperately needs a victory to try to end a frustrating spell, which is why Sevilla should enter the encounter at full strength.

Meanwhile, Les Rouges are already trailing Club Brugge in the Jupiler Pro League by seven points, as they have only won three times this season while playing out three draws and losing once in the process. Additionally, Michel Preud’homme’s team had to settle with the Europa League football after suffering the Champions League elimination by Ajax in the two-legged play-off tie. The lack of continuity and big oscillations have highlighted Standard’s season so far, which may also represent their most ticklish problem on the international scene.

Machin won’t have Sergio Escudero, Maxime Gonalons, and Gabriel Mercado at his disposal, as all are struggling with injuries. On the other hand, Obbi Oulare is the only player who might be skipping the encounter for the visitors.