ROMA and Brighton & Hove Albion square off in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie at the Stadio Olimpico on Thursday evening.
The Italians finished as runners-up in Group G and therefore had to negotiate a playoff tie with familiar foes Feyenoord, with the Serie A side squeezing through on penalties.
However, Daniele De Rossi’s side have since picked up back-to-back league wins to move into the top five in the Italian top-flight.
Switching their attention back to continental matters this midweek, Roma will look to draw first blood when they welcome Brighton to the Eternal City.
The Seagulls' maiden European campaign saw them claim top spot in a group that featured Ajax, Marseille and AEK Athens.
Closer to home, Roberto De Zerbi’s side have been going through a bit of a sticky patch in recent weeks, most recently falling to a 3-0 defeat at Fulham.
Outright Betting
Roma, who are unbeaten each of their last nine European home games, are 11/10 favourites on Bet 365.
Despite avoiding defeat in each of their three Europa League away games this season, Brighton are as big as 12/5 (Bet 365) while an all square affair at the Stadio Olimpico has been priced up at 27/10 (William Hill).
Betting Angles
Roma will have their backers at odds-against quotes here but I’m happy to instead opt for Over 2.5 Goals at 4/5 on William Hill.
The Italian giants have been upwardly mobile and have looked like a much more threatening attacking unit since replacing Jose Mourinho with club legend Daniele De Rossi.
That is evidenced by the fact that seven of Roma’s last nine matches have produced three match goals or more, with the hosts striking at least twice in seven of those fixtures.
What’s more, a both teams to score wager would have also proven profitable in seven of those nine games, all of which points towards an action-packed first leg with Brighton this midweek week.
Albion boss Roberto De Zerbi is renowned for his attacking philosophy and it is unlikely he will sacrifice his principles in the illustrious surroundings of the Stadio Olimpico.
Whilst the Seagulls proactive approach is admirable and tends to see them make the net bulge more often than not, they are susceptible at the back, having posted just three clean sheets in 24 Premier League outings this season so far.
That knack for notching coupled with their struggles to say solid has coincided with overs copping in six of their last eight outings across all competitions.
Therefore, with all things considered, siding with Over 2.5 strikes at in the Italian capital on Thursday evening seems like a sensible solution at 4/5 with William Hill.
This UEFA Europa League match between Roma and Brighton & Hove Albion will be played on Mar 7, 2024 and kick off at 17:45. Check below for our tipsters best Roma vs Brighton & Hove Albion prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
