The most awaited and anticipated night for all Kopites unfolds as Liverpool take on the defending champions – Sevilla in the final of the Europa League. An entry into the Champions league next season and silverware in his first season in-charge would be the two major incentives for Jurgen Klopp from this game. Both Liverpool and Sevilla have not had the best of campaigns in their respective domestic leagues and this is their last chance to restore pride and glory. Sevilla have already won this trophy four times and are the holders since the last two years. On the other hand, a win for Liverpool would match their tally to that of Sevilla. A tough and a competitive game of football is expected from this grueling encounter.

Build-up

Liverpool have never faced Sevilla in this competition before and this is their chance to make a mark in this competition and give the fans a lot to look ahead for the next season. The Reds have had a tough road to the finals considering the quality of their opponents as they knocked out Manchester United, Borussia Dortmund and Villarreal on their way to the final. In terms of team news, Liverpool will be without the services of their key defender Mamadou Sakho and Sevilla will be missing full-back Benoit Tremoulinas and midfielder Michael Krohn-Dehli.

Tactics

Both sides prefer to play with the 4-2-3-1 and this will definitely lead to a heavily contested match in terms of possession. Liverpool are known to pounce on the counter attacks with their gegenpressing and are known to play a high pressing game. Sevilla on the other hand play much of possession game and gradually build-up and create chances in attack. Liverpool will need to be cautious and not get caught at the back as Sevilla have the services of Gameiro who has been in terrific form with seven goals in this competition. It will be an intense midfield battle which could be the decider of who creates more chances on goal and gets the breakthrough.

Manager’s words

Jurgen Klopp has been very optimistic throughout this competition and his words in the pre-match press conference were a glimpse of the confidence that he has in his players. He did not rule out the possibilities of a tough competition from the opponents. This is what he had to say. “In my opinion we are really in a perfect moment to play a final. It’s not about a tournament, no, it’s about being able to show all the things you have learned.”