Sevilla vs Juventus - Unai Emery relying on strong Sevilla support

Posted Tuesday, December 08, 2015 by PA

Sevilla head coach Unai Emery believes the club's fans hold the key as his side bid to clinch a third-place finish with victory over Champions League Group D rivals Juventus at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan.

Juventus and Manchester City have already qualified for the knockout stages with one group game remaining, leaving Sevilla and Borussia Monchengladbach to fight over third spot, which would guarantee Emery's side the chance to defend their Europa League crown.

Victory for Sevilla, who have won the Europa League for the past two seasons, would suffice if Gladbach fail to win in Manchester as the Spanish side has a superior head-to-head over the Germans.

"The fans will be there and we have to use them to charge us," Emery told the club's official website ahead of Tuesday night's clash.

"The team must perform and that energy is what plugs (us). What they (the players) are able to convey will be key for the fans to get behind them and, together, turn the stadium into a fort."

Sevilla's only group win, against Gladbach in the first game in September, has been followed by four straight defeats.

But - although Emery admits his side has fallen short in the Champions League - five wins from their last six home games, including victories over Real Madrid and Barcelona, offers plenty of encouragement.

"We all wanted to play Champions (League) and when you do, the demands increase," Emery said.

"And getting to these demands is a challenge we have not met. But we are highly motivated to play the same way we did against Madrid and Barcelona."

Fernando Llorente hopes to register his first Champions League goal of the season against his former club following his move from Turin in the summer, while midfielder Ever Banega is set to return after a calf injury.

Portuguese goalkeeper Beto (knee), central defenders Marco Andreolli (ankle) and Daniel Carrico, plus winger Gael Kakuta (both hamstring) all remain sidelined.

Juventus secured a fifth straight win in all competitions when they beat Lazio 2-0 in the Serie A on Friday and require only a point in Seville to secure top spot.

"We're coming off a positive period of form, but we have to keep the enthusiasm and momentum going," said head coach Massimiliano Allegri.

Striker Mario Mandzukic is absent due to illness, but Allegri is still spoilt for choice up front with Paulo Dybala, Juan Cuadrado and Alvaro Morata all in contention.

"We'll need everyone this season and it pains me to make certain decisions, but I am only allowed to start 11 players," he said.

Defender Patrice Evra and midfielder Mario Lemina (both knee) will also be missing and Hernanes is suspended, while Sami Khedira and Roberto Pereyra (both thigh) are still out.