Roma vs Brighton prediction, lineups, odds and betting tips
Roma and Brighton contest the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie at the Stadio Olimpico on Thursday evening
As Group G runners-up, Roma had to overcome the firm challenge of Feyenoord in the playoff round, with the Italians prevailing via a penalty shoot-out success.
Daniele De Rossi’s side have been on an upward curve domestically since that dramatic victory, winning their last two Serie A matches, pushing them into Champions League contention.
As for their opponents on Thursday night, Brighton bypassed an extra two games in the playoff round after finishing top of Europa League Group B.
However, Roberto De Zerbi’s side (12/5 outsiders on bet365 to win in Rome) have since struggled for consistency closer to home, with the Seagulls winning just two of their last 12 Premier League matches, most recently losing 3-0 at Fulham on Saturday.
Roma vs Brighton Prediction
There has been a definite shift in Roma’s style of play under Daniele De Rossi so an exciting and entertaining encounter could well be on the cards on Thursday evening.
The Yellow and Reds have evolved into a much more forward-thinking outfit since parting company with Jose Mourinho, having scored in each of their nine matches, including 2+ strikes in seven of those contests.
As for Brighton, they will almost certainly stay true to their attacking principles in Rome, although their inability to keep the back door shut could prove to be their downfall.
Roberto De Zerbi’s rearguard have only managed to shut out confidence-stricken Sheffield United across their last eight matches, so they could struggle to tame Roma’s in-form front line.
Whilst the Seagulls should be able to land a blow in the Stadio Olimpico, their defensive deficiencies may end up being their undoing once again.
Roma vs Brighton Lineups
How are both teams expected to line up on Thursday night? Here are the predicted lineups from WhoScored.com with all the relevant team news.
Roma Predicted Lineup vs Brighton
Svilar; Celik, Mancini, Smalling, Angelino; Cristante, Paredes, Pellegrini; Dybala, Lukaku, Shaarawy
Brighton Predicted Lineup vs Roma
Verbruggen; Lamptey, van Hecke, Dunk, Estupinan; Gross, Gilmour; Adingra, Enciso, Buonanotte; Welbeck
Roma vs Brighton Team News
Roma will be without right-backs Rasmus Kristensen and Rick Karsdorp owing to injury.
Tammy Abraham is still yet to return after suffering an ACL injury.
Brighton will head to the Italian capital without at least five players through injury.
Billy Gilmour can be expected to start here in the midst of his domestic suspension.
Roma vs Brighton Tips
Over 2.5 Goals @ 10/13 on BetMGM
With both teams expected to play on the front foot in this first leg, it makes perfect sense to side with Over 2.5 Goals at 10/13 on BetMGM.
Roma have really upped their attacking output under new boss Daniele De Rossi, with seven of their nine games under the Italian’s watch featuring a minimum of three match goals.
That trend should continue when they come up against a Brighton side who are likely to opt for their typically cavalier approach in the Italian capital.
Six of the Seagulls’ last eight matches have also broken the Over 2.5 goal barrier, so all the ingredients are in place for an entertaining encounter in the Eternal City on Thursday evening.
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