Maribor take on Sevilla in Slovakia next week, with Champions League Group E rivals battling it out for victory at the Ljudski vrt Stadium. The visitors can confirm their place in the knockout phase of the competition with a win against the European minnows, who are themselves looking for a first win in the group stage.
Champions League – Ljudski vrt, Maribor – Wednesday 6th December – 19:45 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 7 at PaddyPower |
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Maribor
SevillaMatch Preview
Following their dramatic comeback against Liverpool last time around, Sevilla travel to Slovakia next week looking to return to winning ways when they take on Maribor. The home side are without a single win in the competition from their opening five matches, meaning that their Spanish opponents are the firm favourites for victory. For those still unsure of who to back in this match, be sure to check out our top betting tip below. However, let’s first take a closer look at the two teams, starting with the home side.
Maribor Team News & Form
Maribor scored a last-minute equaliser against Spartak Moscow in Russia last time around, just their second positive result in Group E so far. Manager Darko Milanič will be looking to lead his side to a first win of the campaign against Sevilla, even though the Slovakians have nothing to play for in the encounter. Bosnian striker Jasmin Mesanovic scored against Spartak last time around, with the 25-year-old potentially earning a rare start for the home side as a result. Elsewhere, the likes of Marcos Tavares and Valon Ahmedi are among the most talented players for Maribor.
Sevilla Team News & Form
Having battled back from 3-0 down to secure a point at home to Liverpool last time around, Sevilla will be looking to qualify for the latter stages of the Champions League with a win in Slovakia. Eduardo Berizzo’s side produced another fantastic comeback in La Liga over the weekend, defeating rivals Villarreal, despite being 2-0 down. Sevilla have scored 11 and conceded 11 in their five European matches to date, with French striker Wissam Ben Yedder set to once again lead the line for the away side, alongside the likes of Ever Banega and Steven N’Zonzi.
Head to Head
The two teams have met just three times in the past, with Sevilla having won twice, as well as recording one draw from such meetings. The Spanish side claimed a 3-0 success in earlier this season, adding to their win in the Europa League back in 2014. However, Maribor battled to a 2-2 draw that same season in Slovakia.
Betting Odds and Predictions
Despite being the home team next week, their performances in Group D so far means that it comes as little surprise that it is Maribor who are the underdogs for victory with the majority of bookmakers. The hosts can be backed at odds of 20/1 with PaddyPower, while those looking to bet on an away win for Sevilla can take advantage of 1/6 odds with Ladbrokes.
Top Betting Tip
However, our top betting tip for the match is to bet on there being over 2.5 goals during the 90 minutes, which can be found at odds of 8/15 with Ladbrokes.