AS Roma vs Ludogorets prediction: EUROPE: Europa League – Group Stage betting tips on match 2022-11-02 20:00.
Roma welcome Ludogorets for the final round in UEFA Europa League (UEL) Group C, with both sides on seven points after Roma defeated HJK Helsinki 2-1 on Matchday 5. José Mourinho’s men lost the reverse fixture 2-1 in Bulgaria so they know only victory here will do if they are to claim the second spot and avoid dropping down to the Europa Conference League, although that would at least give them the chance to defend the trophy they won earlier this year!
The Giallorossi are not experiencing their best form at the Stadio OlĂmpico where they have lost three of their last four competitive matches (W1), including their last UEL fixture here against Betis. That 2-1 defeat was their first ever at this stage of a UEL campaign, but their all-time record from such contests (W9, D4, L1) may give Roma a boost ahead of a must-win tie.
The task is simple for Ludogorets, who only need to avoid defeat to qualify for the competition playoffs after consecutive campaigns in which they finished bottom of their UEL groups without a single win. They’ve fared well in their group (W2, D1, L2) and with both their UEL group stage losses coming against table toppers Betis, Ludogorets will not travel here with fear.
The Bulgarian visitors responded to their latest defeat against Betis with a 3-1 league victory over Septemvri Sofia at the weekend and have now won five of their last six matches (L1). However, they’ve avoided defeat inside regular time only once in their five away European clashes this term (D1, L4) and have conceded at least three goals on three occasions, meaning they’ll need to tighten up at the back in order to see off Mourinho’s men and continue their UEL journey.
Players to watch: 18-year-old Cristian Volpato scored and assisted in the same match for the first time this season in Roma’s last-gasp victory at Verona on Monday, whilst Ludogorets may look to Brazilian midfielder Nonato to score a late winner, just as he did in the reverse fixture.
Hot stat: There have been 9+ corners in only one of Roma’s last ten matches.