ROMA won the inaugural Conference League last term and are on track for more glory on the continent this season as they bid to finish off Real Sociedad to reach the Europa League quarter-finals.
Hopes of sealing Champions League qualification in Serie A have suffered a blow with defeats against Cremonese and Sassuolo in recent weeks dropping Roma back down to fifth.
But they can still book a seat at Europe's top table by winning the Europa League and it would take a brave man to bet against Jose Mourinho picking up a sixth European trophy.
The Special One has been at his combustible best in Italian football of late, picking up a touchline ban for clashes with officials, but knows how to deliver a trophy.
Roma are in driving seat against Real Sociedad after winning 2-0 in Italy last week and will fancy their chances of finishing the job in San Sebastian.
Real Sociedad impressed in the group stage as they topped a section containing Manchester United but their form has been poor of late, with Imanol Alguacil's side winning just one of their last nine matches.
Despite that slump, the Basque side still fourth in La Liga but their season is in danger of unravelling if they can't get back on track. Turning things round against Roma would be the ideal way to spark back into life but you rarely see a Mourinho side crash out with a two-goal lead from the first leg.
How the bookies view it
AS Roma are massive favourites to qualify with their first-leg lead and their best price is just 1/7 at VBet. Real Sociedad are 11/2 to reach the last eight but the odds are shorter for a win on the night at 17/4 with the same firm. Mourinho's side are 14/5 at Coral for another win in Spain while the draw at 90 minutes pays 12/5 at Betfred.
Head to head
Roma's 2-0 victory in the first leg was the first competitive meeting of these sides.
Players to watch
Japanese winger Takefusa Kubo could provide the inspiration as Real Sociedad look to get back in the tie. He's 6/1 at Unibet for a fifth goal of the season while the same firm price him at evens just to have a shot on target.
I tipped Paulo Dybala for a goal in the first leg but he drew a blank and provided an assist instead. The Argentinian is still in good scoring form though, with 13 for the season, and he's a boosted 7/2 at Bet365 for anytime scorer in Spain.
Anything else catch the eye?
I'd expect Mourinho to defend the lead rather than go for a killer third goal so Real Sociedad should have most of the ball and pressure. Under 2.5 goals is just 8/13 at SkyBet so the corner handicap looks the best option with Real Sociedad -2 paying 6/5 at Bet365.
Alguacil's side need to go for it as they bid to get back in the tie so over 4.5 Real Sociedad shots on target stands a chance at 59/50 with Unibet.
Backing Roma for most cards backfired on me in the first leg as the La Liga side lost their discipline to pick up five yellows. But the boot should be on the other foot back in Spain and I'm revisiting the same bet, with Roma 6/5 at Unibet for most cards here.
This UEFA Europa League match between Real Sociedad and AS Roma will be played on Mar 16, 2023 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Real Sociedad vs AS Roma prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
