TipResumen

SIGMA OLOMOUC

It has been nine years since Sigma Olomouc last played in European competition and in that time they have become something of a yo-yo club between the top two Divisions in Czech Republic Football. A return to the Europa League would have been a surprise for the fans in their first season back in the top flight after winning the Second Division, but this is a huge test for them to make it through to the Group Stage. They didn't quite reach the Group Stage when they last played in Europe in the 2009/10 season as they were beaten in the Qualifiers by Everton. This season Sigma Olomouc have beaten Kairat comfortably in the Third Qualifying Round, and the side have lost just 2 of their last 16 European home games although a large portion were played in the now defunct Intertoto Cup. Sigma Olomouc have made a poor start to the Czech Republic top flight with 3 points earned from the first 15 available and they were crushed 1-4 by Banik Ostrava in their last game. That was played at home and Sigma Olomouc have lost 3 of their 4 games played here in all competitions in the 2018/19 season although the exception did come in the Europa League.



SEVILLA

For the first time in a couple of years Sevilla will not be playing in the Champions League, but they did sneak into a high enough League finish to make the Europa League. Expectations will be high considering Sevilla have dominated this competition in recent years, while the club will know it is another potential avenue back into the Champions League. The side have made the Knock Out Rounds of the Champions League in each of the last two seasons and they were Quarter Finalists a few months ago. Their away record in that competition is nothing to write home about, but Sevilla have beaten both Zalgiris and Ujpest away from home in the Europa League Qualifiers which are played a considerably lower level than the Champions League games Sevilla had been playing. Sevilla may have lost the Spanish Super Cup to Barcelona in Morocco, but they have won 5 of their 6 games played in all competitions in the 2018/19 season. They ended last season having failed to win any of their last 6 away games in all competitions, but Sevilla look to be trying to create much more away from home this time around and have won all 3 games played on their travels.



HEAD TO HEAD

This is the first time Sigma Olomouc and Sevilla are meeting in a competitive fixture.



PREDICTION

There are a few mismatches in the Europa League Play Off Round and I think this may be one of those that catches the eye the most. While Sevilla will be confident of winning this tie with the home Leg to come next week, I think the Spanish club can earn a big advantage from the First Leg to effectively end the tie. Sigma Olomouc have been a team bouncing between the top flight and Second Division in the Czech Republic, but surprised by returning to the Europa League at the end of last season. A comfortable win over Kairat helped them through to the Europa League Play Off Round, but there have been signs in their early season performances in their domestic League which suggests they will struggle. The side have lost all 3 home League games and they have conceded at least three times in 2 of those losses. Add in the fact they now host a Sevilla team who have scored at least three times in 3 straight away wins at Ujpest, Zalgiris and Rayo Vallecano and there looks to be a big problem for the hosts in this one. I would fancy Sevilla win this by a couple of goals on the night so backing them on the Asian Handicap looks the way to go. There is a big home game against Villarreal to come this weekend, but Sevilla have shown they can focus on the Europa League and balance it with League commitments and I will back the Spanish club to win this First Leg by a comfortable margin.