Roma v Brighton preview, odds and betting tips
Brighton are back in Europa League action on Thursday evening as they head to the Italian capital to take on Roma for the first leg of their Round of 16 clash.
Find the latest match odds for Thursday night's Europa League Round of 16 first leg. Odds are subject to change.
Roma - 57/50
Draw - 13/5
Brighton - 49/20
Roma are in good form heading into the opening leg of their Round of 16 Europa League clash, winning each of their last four matches in preparation for their visit of Brighton of the Premier League.
Former Roma legend and Italian World Cup winner Daniele de Rossi was announced as the new manager of the club at the start of the year following Jose Mourinho's departure, and has enjoyed a successful run in charge since taking the hotseat.
The Italian side have won seven of their nine matches since their former midfielder took over as manager, which has seen them climb back into top four contention having been down in ninth when de Rossi took over.
The Giallorossi's 4-1 win at Monza on Saturday sees the club currently occupying fifth position in Serie A, which as things stand would be enough to reach the Champions League next season, what with Uefa's two added spots given to nations with the highest coefficients the previous season.
The side from the Italian capital have particularly enjoyed playing at home this season, winning four of their five matches at the Olimpico since the arrival of their new manager, their only defeat coming against Inter Milan, the runaway league leaders.
Roma booked their place in the last 16 of the Europa League this season by beating Dutch side Feyenoord on play-offs following finishing second in Group G behind Slavia Prague, but ahead of Servette and Sheriff Tiraspol.
Brighton, meanwhile, aren't in such relentless form ahead of their trip to Rome which will see them partake in their first ever European knockout match in the club's history.
Roberto de Zerbi's side make the trip back to their boss' native homeland having suffered back to back defeats and with just one win in their last five matches.
The Seagulls' 3-0 loss at Fulham on the weekend leaves them down in ninth place in the Premier League table, though remain just three points behind Newcastle in seventh, which will likely be enough to secure a European spot for next season, with a far superior goal difference.
The Sussex side haven't fared particularly well on the road of late, losing four of their last five matches in all competitions, and when discounting games against Sheffield United or Championship opposition, are winless away from home since November.
Brighton got their debut European campaign off to the perfect start before Christmas, finishing top of what was probably the most challenging group of the lot, ahead of Marseille, Ajax and AEK Athens to book their place directly into the Round of 16 for Thursday evening's tie.
In what is undoubtedly one of the ties of the round, Brighton will make the trip to the Italian capital as underdogs in what is likely to be a cagey and nervous first leg affair, the like many of the Seagulls squad won't have experienced before.
In what is probably the biggest night in Brighton's club history, BetMGM are offering a generous 15/1 on Brighton to win, both teams to score, 10+ corners and 5+ cards in a result which would befit the momentous day for the club.
- Location: Stadio Olimpico, Rome
- Date and time: Thursday 7th March 2024, 5:45pm
- How to watch: TNT Sports 2
All odds correct at the time of writing.
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