ROMA have won 11 out of 11 European ties when they have triumphed in the first leg and they will be hoping to make it a Dutch dozen when they welcome Ajax to Italy in this Europa League quarter final second leg.
The Dutch cracks were strangely subdued in the first leg in Amsterdam. Even when they took the lead through Davy Klaassen, they never cracked on, missed a penalty through Pau Lopez's save from Dusan Tadic, before Lorenzo Pellegrini and Roger Ibanez won it for the Italians.
While it's hard to imagine Ajax playing as poorly again, they have problems with keeper Maarten Stekelenburg out (young replacement Kjell Scherpen was at fault for the equaliser), while Daley Blind and Noussair Mazraoui are injured. Andre Onana is suspended.
Roma looked like they could score every time they went up the pitch at the Johan Cruyff ArenA and will have high hopes of pushing a disappointing domestic season in Serie A, where they are only seventh, to one side and reaching the last four of this competition.
How the bookies view it
Despite home advantage, Roma are 7/4 outsiders with Tonybet. The Dutch side are 11/8 favourites with 888Sport and the draw can be backed
at 15/5 with BetVictor.
Recent head to heads
Roma won 2-1 in the Netherlands in something of a shock earlier this month. Prior to that, the clubs had only met twice in the Champions League of 2002/03 with Ajax winning 2-1 in the Netherlands and the sides also drew 1-1 in Rome.
Players to watch
Edin Dzeko caused Ajax all sorts of problems in the first leg. The former Manchester City man maybe 35 now, but Ajax were spooked by him and he was rested in Roma's weekend win against Bologna for this. He's tempting at 9/5 to score anytime with Betfred.
Brazilian striker Antony started the season well for the Amsterdam men, but has hit something of a dry patch recently. But the 21-year-old has talent and is 9/4 with Paddy Power to score in Rome.
Anything else catch the eye?
Bookies do seem to be overestimating Ajax's need for the win to rescue the tie and there was precious little evidence for that in the first leg, with Roma comfortably soaking up anything they threw at them.
It will suit Roma if Ajax go gung-ho and they will get chances. The 21/20 with 888Sport that the hosts score at least two has a good chance.
Ajax comfortably won the corner count 9-4 in the first leg and should do so again, but there's no value at the general 1/2 available.
This UEFA Europa League match between Roma and Ajax will be played on Apr 15, 2021 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Roma vs Ajax prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
