AS Roma vs Brighton prediction: EUROPE: Europa League – Play Offs betting tips on match 2024-03-06 17:45.
The decision of Roma’s hierarchy to sack José Mourinho and replace him with Daniele De Rossi in January looks to be one that’s increasingly justified with the Italian club thriving under the club legend’s leadership. They head into this UEFA Europa League (UEL) Round of 16 first leg against Brighton unbeaten in five competitive matches (W4, D1), which includes a pair of 1-1 draws in the last play-off round against Feyenoord during a tie in which the Serie A side progressed via a win in the penalty shootout.
Having lost in the final of this competition last season, Roma know a home win will help them on their way in their quest to go one better. History is at least on their side here, with English opponents often struggling against the Yellow and Reds at Stadio Olimpico, as Roma have won seven of their last eight home European matches against Premier League opposition.
While the hosts head into this contest in red-hot form, the same cannot be said for Brighton who have managed just one victory across their past five matches in all competitions (D1, L3). By the lofty standards that have been set by manager Roberto de Zerbi, it’s fair to say that the Seagulls have lost some of their spark recently, especially in front of goal, with Lewis Dunk’s second-half stoppage time header against Everton just over a week ago proving the only goal they’ve managed across their past three matches.
Despite the tournament debutants having no European experience, they’ve rarely looked overwhelmed in continental action this season, particularly on the road. Brighton are unbeaten in their away European fixtures this term, with their two most recent continental trips (Ajax 2-0 and AEK Athens 1-0) contributing to a run of four straight UEL wins without conceding a single goal.
Players to watch: Scorer in a 4-1 win at Monza at the weekend, Roma’s Romelu Lukaku will hope he can add to his proud record of goals in 17 in his last 19 UEL matches. With competition top scorer JoĂŁo Pedro unavailable, Brighton might be looking to fall back on the experience of another former Manchester United forward in Danny Welbeck who has five UEL career goals – although the last came way back in October 2018.
Hot stat: Roma have lost only one of their last 30 home UEFA competition matches.