As far as the form is concerned, Sevilla’s current domestic league run will simply overrun Leicester’s nightmarish endeavours, but Claudio Ranieri’s men are known to pull the biggest of surprises. And Sevilla will not take the Foxes lighter in any way when they meet on Wednesday for the Champions League round of 16.
Both the teams, though, have shown immense teamwork in their progress through the group stages, a winner between them will be decided in certain areas of the field.
Here are the 3 key battles, which will more or less decide the fate of the 1st leg.
Stevan Jovetic vs Robert Huth
The Montenegro international has been hugely impactful for the Spanish side since his loan switch from Inter Milan last month. In his six appearances for Sevilla so far, he has managed to score twice and assist thrice. Jorge Sampaoli will largely depend on his experience in the tricky fixture. A comfortable win would pretty much end Leicester City’s chances in the 1st leg itself.
Although Champions League has been a whole different story for Leicester City this season, their away form has been dismal. On the domestic front, the Foxes have managed to collect just 3 points from 13 games and in the intra-continental tournament, Ranieri has managed to get a win, a loss and a draw.
Ranieri will have Robert Huth to cover Jovetic. The German centre-half has had a season to forget so far as he has managed to win just 46% of his average duels. Jovetic would definitely fancy his chances against the 32-year-old and Ranieri will hope his defender gets back the mojo for his last possible Champions League fixture.
Samir Nasri vs Danny Drinkwater
The on-loan Manchester City man has been Sevilla’s main man this season so far. Although he has failed to make any kind of impact by the numbers as he has scored and assisted twice in 16 appearances, his talent and experience have given Sevilla a different edge up front. He has completed 954 passes this season with a pass accuracy of 90%, of which 63% have been forward passes.
Drinkwater will have the task of covering him. The central midfielder has missed a major part of the season through injury and has struggled to acclimatise. However, his abilities are undoubtedly good enough to stop Nasri in his tracks, although the bad form might play spoilsport.
Jamie Vardy vs Steven N’Zonzi
The growing disagreement amongst fans over Jamie Vardy’s pathetic form this season has surely affected his confidence. The England forward has managed to score only five goals so far after leading the team to the title last season and has, in many ways, personified the fluke. Ranieri still keeps faith in him and he will be expected to draw first blood at Ramón Sánchez Pizjuan.
Although not a centre-half, the deep-lying midfielder will see more of Vardy at the back and will have to be careful about his pace. N’Zonzi is an absolute beast in the middle of the park making it difficult for most players to outmuscle him and Vardy will find it hard.
