Porto host AS Roma in the first leg of their Europa League round of 16 playoff. The hosts hold the historical edge in this fixture and should claim the advantage over the Italians, who often struggle on their travels.
The hosts head into this clash after a dramatic 1-1 draw against Sporting CP, Danny Namaso’s stoppage-time equalizer spared them another defeat. That result extended their poor run in 2025, with just one win and clean sheet in eight matches across all competitions.
However, that lone victory, a crucial triumph over Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Europa league secured their place in this playoff. That was also the second win in the last three Europa League home matches for Martin Anselmi’s men.
After a tough start to the season, Roma have found stability under Claudio Ranieri and are unbeaten in eight of their last 10 matches in all competitions. However, their next challenge lies in tightening a defense that has conceded in six of their last eight matches in all competitions.
With no wins in their last five Europa League away games, stretching back to last season, Roma's struggles on the road remain a concern. They were beaten 1-0 by AZ Alkmaar in their previous away fixture in the competition.
How the bookies view it: Bookies fancy Porto
The bookies have installed Porto as favourites in this encounter with BoyleSports offering odds of 5/4 for a home win. Roma are valued at 9/5 for a win while a draw is set at 9/4 by BoyleSports.
Head to head: Roma’s Nemesis
Porto always seem to get the better of Roma, sending the Italians out of the knockout stage of the Champions League in 2016 and 2019. The 2019 tie saw the Serie A side claim a 2-1 home victory before the Portuguese giants won 3-1 in extra-time in the reverse fixture.
Players to watch: Red Hot Omorodion
Samu Omorodion is Porto’s top scorer this season with 18 goals in all competitions. The Spanish striker will be eager to add to his tally, with BoyleSports offering odds of 13/8 for him to score.
For Roma, Artem Dovbyk is their top scorer with 13 goals in all competitions. He also has four in his last eight fixtures and is priced at 9/4 by BoyleSports to score.
Probable line-ups
Porto will be without Martim Fernandes, Marko Grujic, and Ivan Marcano due to injuries. Otavio, though suspended domestically, is available for Thursday’s clash, while Omorodion is set to lead the attack for the hosts.
Roma have a fully fit squad, with Dovbyk, Paulo Dybala, Stephan El Shaarawy, and Angelino all expected to feature in Ranieri’s lineup.
FC Porto: Costa, Ze Pedro, Perez, Djalo, Varela, Mario, Eustaquio, Mora, Moura, Pepe, Omorodion
AS Roma: Svilar, Celik, Mancini, Ndicka, Rensch, Kone, Cristante, Angelino, Dybala, El Shaaraway, Dovbyk
Anything else catch the eye?
Three of the five meetings between the two sides have produced over 2.5 goals and considering their respective defensive frailties, could be worth considering at 5/6 with BoyleSports. Over 3.5 goals is valued at 21/10 by BoyleSports, who are also offering odds of 8/13 on both teams to score.
Roma’s last two matches have produced over 9.5 corners and considering the attacking style of play of both sides, a repeat is likely with BoyleSports offering odds of 11/10 for this outcome.
This UEFA Europa League match between Porto and Roma will be played on Feb 13, 2025 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Porto vs Roma prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
