Sevilla should ease into quarter-finals tonight

Sevilla hold a slender advantage over CSKA Moscow going into tonight’s Champions League last 16 clash, thanks to a 1-1 draw in Russia a fortnight ago.

The Spaniards have never before reached the quarter-finals, although tonight should change that, as at home, they are a much stronger force, and away CSKA Moscow are half of the team they are in Russia.

Sevilla are just 1/4 (Bet365) to qualify for the quarter-finals, and they should have no problems doing so in ninety minutes (4/7, Bet365). It would be a surprise if CSKA managed to score this evening, and 6/4 (Bet365) that Sevilla win to nil is a decent price for those looking to eke out a bit more from a home victory.

An early goal will settle the nerves of the home fans, and Luis Fabiano (7/2, Bet365) and Freddie Kanoute (9/2, SkyBet) will come out flying, and if Jesus Navas (9/1, SkyBet) can find either in the first fifteen minutes, before CSKA are settled, they could get their side off to a dream start.

Sevilla have scored in the opening twenty-five minutes in three of their last four matches, including the first-leg against CSKA Moscow. WilliamHill make it 6/4 that they score in the opening half hour tonight, or 15/8 that they are leading at the thirty minute mark, and that could represent a better bet than the 6/4 on offer from Hills that the home side are leading at half-time and go on to win the game.

It is difficult to make a strong case for CSKA Moscow, although the fact that they battled back from a goal down to claim a draw in the first-leg counts for something. They scored three times at Old Trafford earlier in the season, albeit against a weakened Manchester United, so are capable of springing a surprise, although neither the 3/1 (Totesport) that they hold Sevilla to a draw, or the 6/1 (PaddyPower) on the away win, is long enough to get involved at. 

Recommendation

Lead after 30 minutes - Sevilla (15/8, WilliamHill)