Roma vs Athletic Club Prediction: Team News and Lineups Preview
The serene hills of Rome are about to witness a big match this Thursday and our Italian football expert, Daniele Fisichella, has prepared Roma vs Athletic Club prediction, team news, lineups and fixtures preview.
Athletic Bilbao comes into this fixture with a steely resolve, fresh off the back of a commanding 2-0 victory against Leganes.
Conversely, AS Roma navigates tumultuous seas. The departure of their revered coach Daniele De Rossi left an indelible mark on the team, that, on Sunday, achieved its first Serie A win of the season, by beating Udinese 3-0.
- Roma vs Athletic Club Tip 1: Over 2.25 Goals Asian Handicap
- Roma vs Athletic Club Tip 2: Athletic Bilbao Asian Handicap +0.5
- Roma vs Athletic Club Tip 3: Half With Most Goals: Second
Roma vs Athletic Club Prediction 1: Athletic’s Marching On
Europa League, Match Day 1, Thursday, September 26th, 20:00 (UK)
Athletic Bilbao’s recent surge in La Liga, epitomised by their against Celta Vigo, showcases a side that has evolved.
Last weekend a brace from Gorka Guruzeta, who ‘s now the Spanish top goal scorer, with 16 goals, since last season, and the first club goal for Alvaro Djalò ensured the club’s third win in a row.
Williams looked particularly inspired as he provided his fourth assist in the last three games for the club, as many as he did in his previous 55 appearances in La Liga.
This result propelled them into the top three of the La Liga standings, providing a timely boost of confidence as they prepare to tackle the busy schedule ahead.
Under Valverde’s tutelage, Bilbao has demonstrated tactical maturity and collective discipline.
The Copa del Rey champions have retained most of their crucial players, including the electrifying Nico Williams, a decision that reflects their commitment to continuity and growth.
Nico, however, is racing against time to be fit for the Rome encounter, adding a layer of intrigue and potential challenge to the Basque team’s preparations.
- Roma vs Athletic Club Prediction 1: Over 2.25 Goals Asian Handicap (TRACKED BET)
- Best Odds: 1.89
- Bookmaker: bet365
- Stake: 7/10
Roma vs Athletic Club Prediction 2: Big Boots To Fill
Daniele De Rossi, former club captain and iconic figure, had guided Raome to a sixth-place finish in Serie A and steered them to the Europa League semi-finals.
Yet, the winds of change have swept through the Eternal City, with Croatian coach Ivan Juric taking the reins.
The Giallorossi are 10th in the Serie A with six points from five games. Juric, known for his tactical acumen, is the architect tasked with rebuilding the club’s football fortunes. His immediate impact was felt in the game against Udinese where Roma secured a much-needed victory, his first match in charge.
The tactical adjustments were apparent: increased pressing and a more cohesive defensive effort.
Roma’s squad has seen significant bolstering during the transfer window, with key signings like Mats Hummels, Manu Koné, and the Ukrainian striker Artem Dovbyk.
Juric’s reliance on experienced campaigners like these aims to inject a blend of resilience and flair into the lineup.
Dovbyk, in particular, brings a reputation of clinical finishing, having impressed in La Liga last season, where he netted 24 times, but, while playing for Girona, did not score against Athletic Bilbao.
Earning the trust of the Roman faithful, however, is a daunting task that the former Torino’s boss faces head-on.
- Roma vs Athletic Club Prediction 2: Athletic Bilbao Asian Handicap +0.5 (TRACKED BET)
- Best Odds: 1.91
- Bookmaker: bet365
- Stake: 8/10
Roma vs Athletic Club Prediction 3: The Battle of Wits and Grit
Valverde’s Bilbao is known for its compact defensive structure, quick transitions, and the ability to exploit spaces with devastating efficiency.
Iñaki Williams stands at the heart of this strategy, with his pace and poise making him a constant threat on the break. The midfield dynamism provided by Oihan Sancet and the towering presence of Dani Vivian in defence form the backbone of a team that doesn’t easily wilt under pressure.
One player to keep an eye on is Yuri Berchiche. His overlapping runs and defensive solidity on the left flank add depth to Bilbao’s play, providing both an additional offensive outlet and a defensive anchor.
In the absence of Nico Williams, expect Bilbao to lean on Inaki’s versatility and the creativity of players like Alex Berenguer and Gorka Guruzeta.
The team’s ability to maintain possession and press effectively will be vital. Their history against Italian opposition might not be impressive—having won only once in nine trips to Italy—but history doesn’t score goals; strategy and execution do.
Juric’s Roma will likely maintain a 3-4-2-1 formation, a tactical tweak designed to ensure both defensive rigidity and offensive flair. The xG (expected goals) statistic of 2.45 from their home games this season highlights their potency at the Stadio Olimpico.
The defensive trio led by Mats Hummels will be pivotal in countering Bilbao’s pacey forays while the midfield, anchored by Manu Koné, will be essential in transitioning play from defence to attack.
The creative burden falls on players like Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini, who possess the flair and vision to unlock Bilbao’s robust defence.
The first twenty minutes will be critical; Juric’s side needs to withstand Bilbao’s initial surge and keep the defensive shape intact.
However, after a cautious start, goals might fly in. Roma have already scored three times in the second halves of games, whereas Athletic Club have netted four times but conceded five.
- Roma vs Athletic Club Prediction 3: Half With Most Goals: Second (TRACKED BET)
- Best Odds: 2.05
- Bookmaker: bet365
- Stake: 7/10
Roma vs Athletic Club Prediction odds via bet365 as at 12:10, September 23rd, 2024. Odds may now differ.
Roma vs Athletic Club Injuries, Team News and Possible Lineups: A few doubts for the visitors
Ernesto Valverde’s Athletic Bilbao faces a couple of challenges with key players Nico Williams, Yuri Berchiche, and goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala all doubtful due to injuries.
Agirrezabala’s recent mishap against Celta Vigo means Padilla might step in.
For Roma, Ivan Juric will likely deploy a 3-4-2-1 formation, with key inclusions such as Soule and Lorenzo Pellegrini starting. Leandro Paredes could return to the starting lineup, while forward Artem Dovbyk will spearhead the attack.
Defensive duties will be managed by Hermoso and Mats Hummels.
Roma possible starting lineup:
Svilar; Angelino, Hermoso, Hummels; Celik, Kone, Paredes, Pellegrini, El Shaarawy; Soule, Dovbyk.
Athletic Club possible starting lineup:
Padilla; Berchiche, Vivian, Nunez, Gorosabel; Vesga, Ruiz de Galarreta; Williams, Gomez, Berenguer; Djalo.
Match OPTA Stats: Giallorossi’ strong European record
- The match on Thursday will be the first official meeting between these two sides.
- Roma have reached the semi-finals of the last four European major tournaments.
- Athletic Bilbao have only won once in nine games in Italy.
- Roma have averaged 2.45 xG (expected goals) in each of their last two home games in Serie A.
- Last season the hosts scored 16 Europa League goals in seven games played at the Stadio Olimpico.
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