JOSE MOURINHO delivered a European trophy for Roma last season and will be hoping to stay on track for another when Real Sociedad come calling in the last 16 of the Europa League.
Life is never dull with the Special One around and he capped his return to Italy by making Roma the first winners of the UEFA Europa Conference League last term, justifying the faith of our man Mark in the final.
It was Mourinho's fifth major European trophy and helped make amends for a disappointing Serie A campaign that saw Roma finish in sixth place.
They've been inconsistent again in domestic football this term but are in with a great shout of qualifying for the Champions League after Sunday's 1-0 win over Juventus moved them up to fourth.
Winning the Europa League would secure a seat at Europe's top table regardless but the Serie A side face a stiff test of their credentials against a Real Sociedad side who topped a group containing Manchester United.
Imanol Alguacil has moulded a classy side who are on track for a place in the Champions League next term as they ride high in the La Liga table. Real Sociedad's form has dipped a bit, with just one victory in their last seven games, but they remain a tough team to beat.
Real Madrid found that out in a 0-0 Bernabeu draw back in January and the Basque side also shut out Manchester United at Old Trafford when they claimed a 1-0 win in the group stage.
The goals have dried up a bit, with just four scored in their last seven matches, but if Real Sociedad click back into gear they could cause problems for Roma.
How the bookies view it
There's little between these sides and it's reflected in the odds with Roma a best 68/67 at VBet to qualify and Real Sociedad evens with LiveScoreBet. For a win on the night in Italy, Mourinho's men are 59/50 favourites at BetUK while the La Liga side are 14/5 ar Coral and the draw pays 23/10 with Betfair.
Head to head
Theses sides have never faced off before in European competition but Roma were outgunned by Spanish opposition in the group stage, losing 2-1 at home to Real Betis before a 1-1 draw back in Seville.
Players to watch
Paulo Dybala was Roma's hero in the last round against Salzburg as he secured a 2-1 aggregate win with the clincher in Italy. The Argentinian is a Champions League quality striker and he's 27/10 at BetVictor for anytime scorer.
Mikel Oyarzabal is making for lost time at Real Sociedad after a knee injury kept him out of action until Hogmanay. The Spain winger has just two goals in 13 games since his comeback but has the talent to hurt Roma's defence. He's 7/2 at SkyBet for another strike here.
Anything else catch the eye?
I'd be surprised if we saw a lot of goals, with first legs often cagey and Real Sociedad going through a lean spell. Under 2.5 strikes is just 16/25 with Unibet but betting against BTTS is a little better at 41/50 with the same firm. The half-time draw appeals more to me and that's priced evens.
Roma aren't shy in putting the boot in so it could pay to back them for most cards at 6/4 with Unibet. Defender Roger Ibanez has four yellows from his last six outings and is 13/8 at Bet365 to add another card here.
This UEFA Europa League match between Roma and Real Sociedad will be played on Mar 9, 2023 and kick off at 17:45. Check below for our tipsters best Roma vs Real Sociedad prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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