Brighton host Roma at AMEX Stadium in the second leg of their Round of 16 tie in 2023-24 UEFA Europa League.
Trailing 4-0 on aggregate from the first leg, Brighton must win by at least five goals if want to stand any chance of snatching a Quarter-Final spot.
Roma meanwhile know that a win, draw or loss by three goals or fewer would see them through.
Team News
Billy Gilmour is available for Brighton after he completed his three-match domestic ban in the Seagulls’ 1-0 victory against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
Joao Pedro (hamstring) is unlikely to be risked given the heavy deficit but Jack Hinshelwood (foot), Kaoru Mitoma (back), James Milner (thigh) and Solly March (knee) remain absent.
Roma have no fresh injury concerns to report as manager, Daniele De Rossi could rotate his squad, with Rui Patricio, Rick Karsdorp and Lorenzo Pellegrini amongst those looking to start.
Rasmus Kristensen (muscle) and Tammy Abraham (knee) remain ruled out.
When is Kick-Off?
Brighton host Roma at AMEX Stadium on Thursday 14 March at 8pm GMT, live on TNT Sports 3 in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Brighton lost their only previous competitive meeting against Roma by a 4-0 result, which came away in the first leg of this tie.
- Roma are playing away at Brighton for the first time in all competitions.
- Joao Pedro has scored four goals in Brighton’s three home matches in this season’s Europa League (W2, L1).
- Romelu Lukaku has scored in three of Roma’s four away matches in this season’s Europa League, only having failed to score in a 2-0 defeat at Slavia Prague in the Group Stage.
Prediction
With a 4-0 deficit and extremely little chance of turning the tie around given their defensive vulnerabilities – despite having scored at least four goals in seven games across all competitions this season, Brighton have to view this as a free hit and chance to learn in case are in Europe next season.
Roma meanwhile can afford to relax but amidst squad rotation, I can’t see them willingly letting up but they will be aware of Brighton’s set piece threats if seen their win over Forest, whilst the Italians simply were more clinical in the first leg on the counter-attack.
The aggregate score and domestic priorities also will play a part of some extent which makes this game tough to call but if Brighton can find their clinical end product, they might salvage some pride and having the weekend off will only allow them to throw the sink at this game.
Prediction: Brighton 2-1 Roma
Result: Brighton 1-0 Roma (Roma win 4-1 on aggregate)
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