Roma have a 1-0 deficit to climb out of as they host RB Salzburg in their Europa League knockout playoff second leg. While Salzburg have shown some good form lately, Roma often do their best work at home and should have the upper hand here.
Roma will be disappointed to have come away empty handed from the first meeting with Salzburg. The Italians failed to score for the first time in 33 UEFA matches, but not for a lack of trying as they were guilty of missing several good chances.
The Giallorossi do not appear to have dwelled too much on that result as they made a swift return to winning ways. They claimed a 1-0 victory over Verona in a Serie A fixture last Sunday with Ola Solbakken getting the only goal.
The victory over Verona maintains a solid home record for Roma, who have won five of their last six matches across all competitions at the Stadio Olimpico. That run has been driven by a solid defence that has kept clean sheets in all five wins.
RB Salzburg showed great character and resolve to claim that 1-0 victory in the first meeting with Roma. They fended off several attacks from the Italians and with the game headed for a stalemate, Nicolas Capaldo popped up with the winner two minutes from time.
The Austrian side will now head into Thursday’s clash in good form having won their last three matches across all competitions. They warmed up for the trip to Rome with a 3-1 victory at WSG Tirol in the league last Sunday.
While the win at WSG Tirol will give them confidence, their form on their recent travels has not been the best. That was the first win in three away matches for Matthias Jaissle’s men, who have conceded nine goals in that run.
How the bookies view it
Roma have the upper hand among the bookies with a home win priced at 7/10 by SBK. A victory for RB Salzburg is valued at 19/4 with Unibet while a draw is set at odds of 3/1 with Betfred.
Head to head
Last week’s first leg was the first ever meeting between Roma and RB Salzburg.
Players to watch
New signing Ola Solbakken scored on his Roma debut last weekend and with striker Tammy Abraham out injured, could be worth keeping an eye on at 5/2 with bet365. Attacker Paulo Dybala is set to return after missing the win over Verona and having scored three times in the last five matches at the Stadio Olimpico, he could also be backed to find the net on Thursday at 9/5 with Unibet.
The defence has been pivotal in Roma’s recent home run having kept clean sheets in five of their last six matches. Chris Smalling and Roger Ibanez should continue in central defence and can lead the hosts to another clean sheet at 23/20 with BoyleSports.
Anything else catch the eye?
Roma have won to nil in six of their last seven home matches and could be set for a repeat at 13/8 with bet365. The Italian side’s sturdy defence means BTTS NO could be on the cards at 17/20 with BetVictor.
The Giallorossi have been the only team to score in five of their last six home matches and that run could be tipped to continue at 13/8 with bet365.
This UEFA Europa League match between Roma and RB Salzburg will be played on Feb 23, 2023 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Roma vs RB Salzburg prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
