Roma host Braga in the second leg of their UEFA Europa League round of 32 tie at the Stadio Olimpico. The Italians hold a comfortable first leg advantage and will be confident of completing the double over Braga.
Paulo Fonseca's men have been one of the more impressive teams in the Europa League this season and showed their quality in the first leg against Braga. The Portuguese gaffer led his team to a 2-0 victory against his former club thanks to goals in each half from Edin Dzeko and Borja Mayoral.
Having crashed out of the Coppa Italia and sitting third in in Serie A, the Europa League represents Roma's most realistic chance to lift a trophy this season. The Italians appear to recognise the importance of the competition and have looked the part thus far.
Roma have suffered just one defeat in seven Europa League matches this season, claiming five wins in that run. They are particularly solid at home and boast a potent attack which helped them score eight goals in their last two matches at the Stadio Olimpico.
Braga looked to be in excellent shape heading into the first leg but struggled to hold their own against Roma. It was a disappointing performance from Carlos Carvalhal's men as they could muster just a solitary attempt on target.
The Portuguese team's journey in the Europa League this season has been a bit inconsistent having claimed just two wins in their last five matches in the competition.
Braga travel to the Stadio Olimpico with a slightly depleted squad as defensive mainstay David Carmo is ruled out with injury. He joins Rui Fonte, Francisco Moura and Luri Medeiros, who are all set to miss Thursday’s clash.
How the bookies view it
Roma head into Thursday’s match as favourites with betway backing the hosts to secure the win at 3/5. A win for Braga is priced at 5/1 at bet365 while BetVictor is offering 10/3 for a draw.
Given Braga's injury problems, Roma look like a good bet to win at home.
Head to head
Last Thursday’s clash was the first ever meeting between Roma and Braga.
Players to watch
Striker Edin Dzeko made a goalscoring return to the team in the first leg and is priced at 26/25 with Unibet in the anytime goalscorer market. It is also worth keeping an eye on midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan to score anytime at 41/20 with Unibet.
Forward Borja Mayoral will hope to continue where he left off last week with Unibet backing the striker at 7/5 in the same market.
Ricardo Horta has been the star of the Europa League for Braga this season having scored three goals in the competition.
The diminutive forward is valued in the anytime goalscorer market at 16/5 with Unibet, who is pricing Nicolas Gaitan at 7/1 in the same market.
Anything else catch the eye?
With Roma boasting a potent attacking line, a punt in the goals market could provide some value. BTTS is valued at 4/5 by Sport Nation while SBK is offering 9/5 for over 3.5 goals.
Roma have also scored three or more goals in their last two home matches in the Europa League and are backed at 5/8 by Skybet to repeat the feat. The Italians are often in front at halftime and could be backed to win the first half at Sport Nation’s 6/5.
This UEFA Europa League match between Roma and Braga will be played on Feb 25, 2021 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Roma vs Braga prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
