Sevilla are the most successful team in Europa League history, they have reached the final six times and won the competition on five occasions. This is a space they feel very comfortable with despite being the underdogs in this one.

This is Inter Milan’s 10th European final and first in a decade since winning the Champions League in 2010. They also become the ninth team in history to reach 10 European finals.

The Lowdown

An incredible 20-match unbeaten run in all competitions has seen Sevilla earnt their place in the final. An outstanding defence has been the biggest factor, Julian Lopetegui’s side have kept a clean sheet in nine of their 13 since the restart – more than any other team in Europe’s top five leagues.

However despite that good form, Sevilla have scored in both halves just once across their last five games, whilst the previous four matches in which they conceded saw them ship the opening goal before the 30th minute.

It’s been nine seasons since Internazionale last picked up a competitive trophy, but their 5-0 win over Shakhtar makes them favourites here. Inter’s first two goals in that rout came from headers, and they’ve now scored a first-half opener in six straight matches.

Like their opponents, Inter’s defence has excelled conceding just one goal across their last seven matches. However as their semi-final result showed, their attack has also been on form, which has helped Inter win despite a -1 handicap in eight of their last nine competitive victories – eight of which saw them lead at HT. It’s little surprise then that this is Inter’s best scoring season (111 competitive goals) since 1929/30.

Key Players

Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez should be the difference, Lukaku has scored in 10 straight Europa League matches and Martinez was outstanding in their semi-final rout of Shakhtar.

Bet: Lukaku to score first or last at 2.25
Bet: Martinez to score first or last at 2.85

Éver Banega was also outstanding in the semi, controlling the tempo of the game, and displaying his ridiculous range of passing that is so effective in conducting Sevilla’s attack. The playmaker has recorded the most assists (three) for Sevilla in the competition. Captain Jesus Navas is also a key player in his new position of right full-back.

Bet: Ever Banega to score anytime at 8.00

Team News

For Sevilla, Nemanja Gudelj was given the all-clear by doctors to feature from the bench in Sevilla’s semi-final win over Manchester United having previously tested positive for coronavirus. Luuk de Jong will push for a start in Friday’s final after coming off the bench to score the winner against United on Sunday night. Ever Banega leaves Sevilla after this match and his final game will be the final against former club Inter.
Sought after defender Diego Carlos has conceded a penalty in each of Sevilla’s last two matches.

Alexis Sanchez was fit enough for a place on the bench for Monday’s 5-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk despite picking up a muscle injury in training. He wasn’t risked and is likely not 100 per cent fit. Matias Vecino is expected to miss out for Inter, while summer signing Achraf Hakimi cannot play until the 2020/21 season. Antonio Conte is expected to name an unchanged side on Friday night.

Suggested Bets

Both sides are great defensively and the fact that they are in the final might to a cagey affair with a trophy on the line. Both sides have seen under 2.5 goals in at least three of their last five matches.

Bet: Under 2.5 goals at 1.76 or Under 0.5 goals in First half at 2.60

Sevilla are tough to beat under Lopetegui and they thrive in this specific competition so I am backing them to pull off a surprise win against Inter who might struggle to achieve the heights of their semi-final masterclass. Also, their value to win the match is very enticing.