AS Roma host Bayer Leverkusen at Stadio Olimpico in the first leg of their semi-final in 2022-23 UEFA Europa League.
Jose Mourinho’s AS Roma overcame Feyenoord in the Quarter-Finals via extra-time in the second leg to reach this stage, whilst Bayer Leverkusen comfortably saw off Union Saint-Gilloise.
Team News
Paulo Dybala could start for AS Roma after he returned from an adductor injury in a 2-0 loss to Inter Milan last weekend in Serie A, having been utilised as a substitute.
Diego Llorente (leg) is doubtful but Stephan El Shaarawy (hip), Chris Smalling (thigh), Rick Karsdrop and Marash Kumbulla (both knee) remain absent.
Bayer Leverkusen have no fresh injury concerns to report with Exequiel Palacios set to start in midfield, having come on as a substitute in their Bundesliga defeat to Cologne following his return from injury.
Patrik Schick (groin) and Andrey Lunev (back) remain absent.
When is Kick-Off?
Roma host Bayer Levekusen at Stadio Olimpico at 9pm CET (8pm UK Time) on Thursday 11 May, live on BT Sport 3 in the UK.
Stat Attack
- This is Roma’s first Europa League meeting against Bayer Leverkusen, although they’re unbeaten in three of four meetings in all UEFA competitions (W1, D2, L1).
- Bayer Leverkusen have failed to win in two previous visits to Roma in all competitions (D1, L1).
- Both teams have scored in each of their last four meetings in all UEFA competitions, with Roma scoring nine goals to Leverkusen’s 10 goals.
- Roma have lost just one home game in this competition this season (W5, L1).
- Moussa Diaby has scored the opening goal in each of Leverkusen’s last two away matches in this competition (W2).
Prediction
Entering this semi-final without a win in their last four matches amidst injury issues, Roma are lucky to have a serial trophy winner at the helm in Jose Mourinho, and have scored in 14 of their last 15 home games in all competitions which should boost their confidence.
Mourinho’s Roma though need to quickly put their defeat against Inter Milan behind them because this is a huge opportunity to win the competition and secure Champions League qualification, because their chances of securing a spot via their domestic league looks near-impossible now.
Bayer Leverkusen meanwhile head to Rome with a point to prove after their 14-match unbeaten run in all competitions was ended by Cologne last weekend, underlining how dangerous they are with 18 different goalscorers in all competitions this season.
Roma though have been strong at home this season with a strong goalscoring record but Leverkusen can’t be underestimated given their own form, so I do expect a tough battle between two strong-willed teams with the tie still in the balance come the second leg.
Prediction: AS Roma 1-1 Bayer Leverkusen
Result: AS Roma 1-0 Bayer Leverkusen
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