There is something special about Liverpool and the Europa League this season, with Jurgen Klopp's men getting past some of the giants of world football, including Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund. Likewise, there is a deep relation between Sevilla and Europa League, considering the Spanish side have won the last two editions of the competition.
However, past records do not come into play when one is playing far away from home, as Liverpool take on Sevilla in the Europa League final at St Jakob Park in Basel on Wednesday. The team which shines for 90 minutes will emerge victorious.
Liverpool players have taken their game to the next level, after Jurgen Klopp took over as manager in October. Players like Adam Lallana, Roberto Firmino, Dejan Lovren and others have blossomed under Klopp, but these stars are aware about the importance of the Europa League final, after failing to defeat Manchester City in the League Cup final.
This is one of the biggest European nights for Liverpool in recent times, and they will be determined to showcase their skills and feature in next season's Champions League, which is only possible by winning the final.
After a decent string of performance in the round robin stages, Liverpool have looked increasingly better en route to the final. Klopp feels that they have deservedly reached the final.
"To see how they deserve this final makes me feel really good. I am happy that they could show how strong they are. This is a big chance to take a big step. We would really love to be the team that makes these dreams come true. I can promise that we will try everything. The problem is, Sevilla will do the same," UEFA official website quoted Klopp as saying.
Such finals bring immense pressure and Liverpool players will be keen to stand tall and be counted against Sevilla. Liverpool will field their best starting XI, as key stars were rested in their last Premier League game, against West Brom.
Liverpool look at their menacing best when Philippe Coutinho, Firmino and Daniel Sturridge deliver for the Reds, whose fans will be praying for another scintillating performance from the trio. Klopp will even have the services of Divock Origi and Jordan Henderson, who might find a place on the bench.
"We have to be organised, prepared, take control of moments – be patient to pass for long enough to create that chance. In a final you need to be ready to make mistakes when the whole world is watching. Football doesn't work without mistakes. It's about finding the next solution," Klopp said.
Klopp's team will have to play some brilliant football to get past one of the most successful teams in the Europa League, which was earlier known as the UEFA Cup. Sevilla, if they manage to defeat Liverpool, will grasp their third consecutive Europa League title.
Make no mistake, Sevilla have the players, attitude and the winning spirit to emerge victorious in the final. When it comes to facing big teams -- irrespective of the competition -- they step up their game as has been witnessed this season, defeating Barcelona and Real Madrid in the La Liga. So, there are plenty of reasons for Liverpool to fear Sevilla.
"Every time football gives you a chance you have to take it. What we have achieved in recent years is wonderful but you can't stop there; you have to relive it, you have to experience it again," Sevilla manager Unai Emery said.
"All my players have special characteristics and we need the best of them against Liverpool; we need everything they have. We want to grow. We can change history and have our names recorded in the history of the competition. We must find a balance, though, to keep our emotions in check so we can be fully focused. We'll need it."
Umery also falls in the same bracket as Klopp in terms of the energy, and the Spanish side's manager will hope that his players like Kevin Gameiro, Yevhen Konoplyanka, Ever Banega, Steven N'Zonzi and Grzegorz Krychowiak play a key role for Sevilla in the final. if these players play as they have been playing in the Europa League so far, without fear, Liverpool will miss their Champions League flight.
One of the best things about Umery is the way he brings out the best from his players in crunch matches, and his preparation and tactics are second to none. Be rest assured, Sevilla will have a plan to contain the likes of Coutinho and Sturridge.
With such quality players in both sides, one can expect a brilliant encounter between two quality teams.
Where to watch Europa League final live
Liverpool vs Sevilla Europa League final is scheduled to kick-off at 8:45 p.m. CET (12:15 a.m. IST, 7:45 p.m. GMT, 3:45 p.m. ET). Viewers in India can catch Liverpool vs Sevilla Europa League final on Ten 2 and Ten 1 HD while the streaming option of the game is also available on tensports.com.
UK viewers can catch the Liverpool vs Sevilla Europa League final on BT Sport Europe, while the online live stream option is on BT Sport Live and LFC TV Go.
US viewers can Liverpool vs Sevilla Europa League final live on Fox Sports 1 USAand ESPN Deportes TV. The option of live streaming is also available on FoxSoccer2Go and Fox Sports Go.
Audience in Spain, Middle East, Australia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Canada and can watch the game live on TV on Bein Sports,with the live stream option on Bein Sports Connect.
Malaysia viewers can watch the Liverpool vs Sevilla Europa League final on Astro Supersport, while African countries viewers can watch the game live on Super Sport 3 Africa.
