Sevilla vs Inter: The Key Matchups That Could Decide the Europa League Final

The Community Shield final is mere days away, yet we've still got the small matter of two major European finals to contend with. It's mad.

A remarkable, unique and perilously long season is still very much in full flow for four teams, and it could end with a historic piece of silverware to boot.

As Inter and Sevilla prepare to face off in Friday's Europa League final, eyes across the continent will be averted the way of Germany, where the RheinEnergieStadion is hosting the showpiece event.

With both sides already securing their place in next season's Champions League as a result of their respective league finishes, we're sure to have a cracking affair in store. No need to worry about the eventualities of defeat, just focus your full attention on winning a trophy. With such burdens lifted, we'll hopefully see plenty of goals.

In terms of the victors, where this game can be won and loss has been dominating the build up. Inter boast the better striking duo, but Sevilla have bags of pace in wide areas. One side overcame Manchester United in the previous round, the other obliterated Shakhtar Donetsk.

Countless individual battles across the pitch will have a major say in the final outcome, but the following five are likely to determine who goes home with the trophy...

Romelu Lukaku vs Diego Carlos

A superb individual season for Diego Carlos in La Liga prompted rather outlandish reports of none other than Liverpool looking to fork out around £60m to bring him to Anfield. Working on the basis that such speculation has some valid basis, the Reds would've changed their minds after seeing Carlos' uninspiring display in the semi-final.

Rash challenges and questionable decision making against United put Sevilla under necessary pressure, including the penalty he gave away less than ten minutes into proceedings.

Will Romelu Lukaku single him out as a weakness? You can bet your bottom dollar he will. The Belgian bulldozer isn't the speed merchant Marcus Rashford is, but he's got more technical ability and instinctive movement than he gets credit for. Given that - as well as his frame - Carlos best have hit the gym over the past few days because he will be getting bullied if not.

Sergio Reguilon vs Diego Godin

With Inter's back three setup, they rely on cover from the wing-backs to account for attacking overlaps - except this time there'll see plenty from Sevilla's Sergio Reguilon.

The Spaniards love to flood wide areas when they burst forward, often led by their left-back. Aside from being a competent defender, he loves to make runs either side of his opposing defender, who on this occasion is set to be Diego Godin. A vastly experienced centre-half, his role on the right side of the back three is an area worth exploiting for Sevilla - given his lack of genuine pace. Well, any pace, at all.

Bamboozling runs by Reguilon could get the Uruguayan in a twist, so Antonio Conte will ensure he's adequately assisted by Danilo D'Ambrosio on the night. If it's a straight race, then the Spaniard has his South American counterpart beat each time. It'll be interesting to see whether his experience will count for enough in this instance.

Christian Eriksen vs Fernando

He may have been absent from the starting lineup for the previous round, but if Conte wants to inject some added creativity into his midfield with Christian Eriksen, the battle between him and Fernando is set to be a crucial one.

The combative Brazilian is the Yin to Sevilla's defensive Yang, body-blocking any incoming forwards and scything down any threaded pass. He is, however, coming up against a tricky customer in the creative Dane, and whether Julen Lopetegui opts to man-mark him or implement a zonal defensive style could play a part in his influence.

Whatever method he plumps for, Fernando will have to be on his toes all game to deal with the overloaded Inter midfield, be it Eriksen or a combination of Nico Barella and Roberto Gagliardini.

Lautaro Martinez vs Bono

One is a lethal finisher, the other is a world-renowned rock star. Well, that was the joke everyone was making on social media when Bono - real name Yassine Bounou - had a blinder in goal against United in Sevilla's semi-final win.

The Moroccan made a string of fine saves to deny pretty much every member of the Red Devils' forward line; however, for all the talent United boast up front, Lautaro Martinez trumps the lot for his array of superb finishing techniques.

Be them first time, off the cuff, instinctive, measured or straight up hammered, he's demonstrated the vastness of his shooting prowess. Bono will need to be at his best on Friday evening against the man fearfully referred to as 'The Bull'. He could be the One.

Ever Banega vs Ashley Young

A quite romantic renaissance for Ashley Young could provide the ultimate reward after this season, with a Europa League trophy the perfect remedy to the months (years) of criticism he faced at Old Trafford. He's become a regular in the side, striking the balance in the team between defence and attack - but he will have hands full with Ever Banega in Germany.

A deep-lying playmaker, it will depend on the setup both sides go for, but Young might find himself caught in two minds when up against the 32-year-old. Whether he opts to press the Argentine or block off the paths down the left hand side, getting caught in the no man's land that is stick or twist could be Inter's undoing.

An elegant passer of the ball, Banega finds those gaps down the channels to exploit and if Young can starve the key creator in Sevilla's midfield of the avenues he seeks, that may wrestle the advantage into Inter's favour.