Roma vs. FC Porto Betting Tips, Predictions, and Preview, 20/02/2025

AS Roma and FC Porto are set to lock horns in the second leg of the Europa League 1/16 finals at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. This match promises to be a nail-biter after their first leg ended in a 1-1 draw at Estádio do Dragão, with Mehmet Zeki Celik and Francisco Moura both finding the net. The teams will now vie for a spot in the next round, making this encounter crucial and hard-fought.

With both sides boasting b defensive records, expect a low-scoring affair. Roma have a slight edge with the home advantage and are the bookmakers’ favorites at odds of 1.76. Given their form, scoring in 78% of their matches this season, they will look to leverage their compact and counter-attacking tactics under Claudio Ranieri.

The weather forecasts overcast clouds and a chilly 4°C, which might play a role in the pace of the game. Referee François Letexier will be overseeing proceedings, adding to the discipline on the field.

Our match prediction aligns well with the tips: expect a tight game with under 2.5 goals, making it a betting recommendation with odds of 1.84.

Roma vs. FC Porto Prediction & Betting Tip

For this crucial Europa League 1/16 final clash, the recommended betting tip is to go for “Under 2.5 Goals.”

Roma vs. FC Porto Prediction
Betting Tip	Odds
Under 2.5 Goals	1.84

• Both Roma and FC Porto have b defensive records, as seen in their recent matches and group-stage performances.
• The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw, suggesting a tightly contested matchup with limited scoring opportunities.
• Roma have witnessed fewer than 2.5 goals in 78% of their Europa League games this season.

Expect a disciplined defensive performance from both sides in chilly, overcast conditions.

Roma vs. FC Porto Odds

The odds for this Europa League 1/16 finals clash between Roma and FC Porto indicate that Roma is the bookmaker’s favorite, especially given their home advantage and recent form under Claudio Ranieri. Both teams have shown b defensive performances, making this a tight and highly competitive match.

Roma vs. FC Porto Betting Odds
Bet	Odds
Roma	1.76
Draw	3.59
FC Porto	4.70

With Roma slightly favored due to their current form and home-field advantage, this matchup is poised to be a competitive low-scoring affair, as suggested by the recommended bet of under 2.5 goals at odds of 1.84.
Expect a disciplined and tactical game from both sides, with Roma looking to capitalize on their solid defensive organization.

Roma Team Analysis

Roma Recent Performance WDWLD

Roma have been showing steady form under Claudio Ranieri, despite a few hiccups. The team has managed to secure two wins, two draws, and one loss in their last five matches.

Home team	Away team	Result
Parma Calcio 1913	Roma	0-1 (Win)
FC Porto	Roma	1-1 (Draw)
Venezia	Roma	0-1 (Win)
AC Milan	Roma	3-1 (Loss)
Roma	SSC Napoli	1-1 (Draw)

Roma have scored an average of 1.00 goals per match in their last five outings and managed 2 clean sheets. However, their defensive unit allows less than 2.5 goals in 78% of their games, indicating solid organization at the back.
With Ranieri steering the ship, Roma looks to maintain their defensive rigor while hoping to exploit Porto’s vulnerabilities.

Roma Key Players

Roma’s lineup includes several key players who have been instrumental in their campaign so far. Claudio Ranieri will put his trust in forward Matias Soule, who has been consistent up front, and midfielder Manu Koné, who has been crucial in stabilizing their play.

Potentially explosive individual battles include Matias Soule facing off against Porto’s stout defender Otavio. Another engaging duel will be Gianluca Mancini squaring off against Porto’s center forward, Samu Omorodion.

Expected lineup for Roma:

• Goalkeeper: Mile Svilar
• Defenders: Gianluca Mancini, Zeki Celik, Evan N’Dicka
• Midfielders: Stephan El Shaarawy, Tommaso Baldanzi, Manu Koné, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Angeliño
• Attackers: Matias Soule, Artem Dovbyk

With players like Mehmet Zeki Celik aiming to continue his goal-scoring form, Roma has notable firepower.

Roma Suspensions & Injuries

Roma will be making adjustments due to key suspensions and injuries. Tactical planning will need to accommodate these absences.

Suspensions

Player	Suspension	Expected return
Bryan Cristante	Yellow/red card	Next match
Alexis Saelemaekers	Yellow cards	Next match

Injuries

Player	Injury	Expected return
Devyne Rensch	Muscle injury	Late February 2025

The absence of Bryan Cristante and Alexis Saelemaekers, both due to bans, will affect Roma’s midfield depth. Klaudio Ranieri will need to rely on his squad’s versatility to fill these gaps.

Devyne Rensch’s injury means defensive adjustments are also necessary, though his potential return by late February could provide a boost if Roma progresses further in the competition.

Roma Tactics and Formation

Roma Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Expected to line up in a 4-3-3 configuration.
• Key Forward: Matias Soule, with support from Artem Dovbyk.
• Midfield Trio: Manu Koné, Lorenzo Pellegrini, and Tommaso Baldanzi.
• Defensive Line: Gianluca Mancini, Zeki Celik, Evan N’Dicka, and Angeliño, with Mile Svilar in goal.
• Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in their last five games.
  Roma looks set to use a compact and counter-attacking strategy to leverage their defensive organization. The 4-3-3 formation provides flexibility, with players like Pellegrini and Koné crucial in transitioning play from defence to attack. With notable absences due to suspensions, adaptability will be key for Ranieri’s squad.

FC Porto Team Analysis

FC Porto Recent Performance WDDDW

FC Porto has shown consistency in their recent matches, regularly securing points and maintaining an unbeaten streak over the last five games. Their performance is characterized by solid defense and timely goals.

FC Porto kept two clean sheets in their last five games.

They have an average of 1.2 goals scored per game during these fixtures.

Home team	Away team	Result
Farense	FC Porto	0-1 (Win)
FC Porto	Roma	1-1 (Draw)
FC Porto	Sporting CP	1-1 (Draw)
Rio Ave	FC Porto	2-2 (Draw)
Maccabi Tel Aviv	FC Porto	0-1 (Win)

Their defensive resilience will be crucial against Roma, especially as they seek to advance in this tightly contested second leg.

FC Porto Key Players

FC Porto will rely heavily on their solid performers to navigate this crucial second leg against Roma. In attack, Francisco Moura, the team’s top scorer with 1 goal, will look to make an impact.

Expected lineup for FC Porto:

• Goalkeeper: Diogo Costa
• Defenders: Tiago Djaló, Nehuén Pérez, Otavio
• Midfielders: João Mário, Stephen Eustáquio, Alan Varela, Francisco Moura
• Attackers: Gonçalo Borges, Samu Omorodion, Rodrigo Mora

The midfield battle will be key, with Stephen Eustáquio and Alan Varela expected to shoulder responsibility against Roma’s b central unit. In defense, Nehuén Pérez will need to thwart Roma’s midfield advancements, making this a potentially tight contest in the middle of the park.

Their resilience in defense will be tested, and Diogo Costa’s performance in goal might prove decisive.

FC Porto Suspensions & Injuries

Player	Injury	Expected return
Marko Grujic	Hamstring Injury	Unknown
Martim Fernandes	Muscle injury	Late February 2025

FC Porto faces a few injury concerns heading into this crucial second leg. Marko Grujic is sidelined with a hamstring injury, with no clear return date in sight, depriving the team of an experienced midfield presence. Martim Fernandes is also out with a muscle injury but is expected to be back by late February 2025.

The absence of these players might force coach Martín Anselmi to make strategic adjustments, particularly in midfield, potentially impacting the team’s overall balance and cohesion. Their defensive unit will need to step up and fill the void left by these absences to withstand Roma’s offensive threat.

FC Porto Tactics and Formation

FC Porto’s Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-4-1-2
• Key Forwards: Gonçalo Borges and Samu Omorodion
• Midfield Configuration: João Mário and Francisco Moura will provide width on the flanks, while Stephen Eustáquio and Alan Varela will control the center.
• Defensive Setup: Tiago Djaló, Nehuén Pérez, and Otavio lead the defensive line, with Diogo Costa in goal.
• Notable Strategy: FC Porto will look to exploit the wings and play through their dynamic midfield, utilizing Moura’s pace and Borges’ playmaking skills to break down Roma’s defense.
• Recent Defensive Record: Two clean sheets in their last five games highlight their defensive resilience.

A well-structured and balanced approach is key, especially in an away fixture where tactical discipline will be critical for Porto.

Roma vs. FC Porto Head-to-Head Statistics

Home	Away	Result
FC Porto	Roma	1-1
FC Porto	Roma	1-1
FC Porto	Roma	2-1
Roma	FC Porto	2-1
Roma	FC Porto	0-3

The historical encounters between Roma and FC Porto illustrate a balanced narrative with each side sharing a fair share of wins and draws.
Their most recent clash ended in a 1-1 draw, reflecting their competitive parity. This balanced history adds to the anticipation for their upcoming clash at the Stadio Olimpico.
Given that both teams have seen similar outcomes in their recent games, fans can expect another tight contest on the 20th of February.

Venue and Weather

Stadio Olimpico in Rome, with its iconic 70,000-seat capacity, will set the stage for this Europa League clash between Roma and FC Porto. Known for its electric atmosphere, the stadium is expected to be buzzing with passionate Giallorossi supporters.

The weather forecast for match day indicates overcast clouds with a chilly temperature of 4°C. The high humidity of 83% and a gentle wind speed of 1.62 m/s may impact the quality of play.

Such conditions could prompt teams to adopt conservative tactics. Expect a focus on set pieces and defensive solidity as both sides adapt to the slick and potentially slower playing surface, aiming for precision over flair.