Leicester host Sevilla on Tuesday night, seeking to overturn the one goal deficit from the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie. The Foxes lost 2-1 in Spain, grabbing a crucial away goal, however the match will forever be remembered for the sacking of manager Claudio Ranieri, just hours after the full time whistle was blown.
Since Ranieri departed the King Power Stadium however, Leicester have won both of their matches 3-1, against Liverpool and Hull respectively. The same result would see them qualify for the quarter finals for the first time ever and continue on their European adventure. News this week has seen Craig Shakespeare appointed as manager on an interim basis until the end of the season and since he’s taken charge, the players have returned to their form from their title winning campaign last year.
Sevilla dominated the first leg and should really have ended the tie, however they failed to take their chances and eventually allowed Jamie Vardy to score what could be a crucial away goal. The Spanish side go into the match on the back of consecutive 1-1 draws against Alaves and Leganes, which have seen their La Liga title hopes fade.
Leicester City vs. Sevilla Predictions
Barcelona overturned a four goal deficit last week, but Leicester aren’t Barcelona and this comeback is much more unlikely. Although they’ve been strong at home lately, Leicester struggle when they have to attack the opposition, but Sevilla also play well on the counter attack and are better organised defensively than Leicester.
Leicester City vs. Sevilla Betting Tips
Leicester are 5/2 outsiders to qualify for the quarter finals and 43/20 to win on the night, while Sevilla are 1/4 on to reach the next stage and 6/5 to win on Tuesday. Wissam Ben Yedder leads the goalscoring markets and is 6/5 to score anytime this evening, while Jamie Vardy is Leicester’s best hope at 31/20 to score anytime.
Head to Head
- Sevilla claimed a 2-1 victory in the first leg, the first time they had ever played Leicester in European competition.
- Leicester have never beaten Spanish opposition in European competition (D1 L4).
- Sevilla have reached the Champions League knockout stages in three of their four appearances, however they’ve never gone past the round of 16.
- No team has kept more clean sheets this season in the Champions League than Sevilla (5, same as Juventus).
- Sevilla are yet to lose away in the Champions League this season (W1 D2), keeping clean sheets in all three of those games.
Leicester City Team News
Leicester will be without Nampalys Mendy, who sustained a knee injury in training. Molla Wague also misses out with a dislocated shoulder and is unlikely to play again this season. The defender joined on loan in January and has made just one appearance for the club.
Sevilla Team News
Aside from long-term absentees Benoit Tremoulinas and Michael Krohn-Dehli, Sevilla have a full strength side, with Spanish international Vitolo returning from a domestic suspension. Jorge Sampaoli is expected to recall Steven N’Zonzi and Samir Nasri, who have both played in the Premier League.