Roma v Brighton – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Roma host Brighton in the Europa League on Thursday night. The hosts have lost just once in nine matches since De Rossi replaced Mourinho as coach. The Seagulls have conceded 14 goals in their last eight matches and face Lukaku, who has netted six goals in this competition this season.

Roma Form

The Giallorossi sacked Jose Mourinho in January after a run of four losses in six matches. Under Daniele De Rossi, they’ve played nine matches with just one defeat. In Serie A, it’s six wins in seven matches under the club legend.

They reached this stage of the Europa League after a playoff round vs Feyenoord. Roma drew 1-1 away and 1-1 at home before progressing on penalties. Since that second leg, they’ve played twice in the league. A 3-2 home win vs Torino preceded a 4-1 win at Monza on Saturday.

Roma Team News

Under their new coach, AS Roma have moved to a 4-3-3 formation. Rasmus Christensen went off injured at Monza so Mehmet Celik could come into the XI at right back. Chris Smalling will hope for a recall but there are no guarantees.

Tammy Abraham is still ruled out after his knee surgery, but he is nearing a return. Right back Rick Kaarsdorp is doubtful. Rui Patricio could be handed a start in goal after losing his number-one jersey for league matches to Mile Svilar.

Roma Motivation

De Rossi and Roma are taking this competition very seriously. They’re currently four points outside the top four in the league, so the Europa League offers a route to Champions League football.

They will look to attack and win this first leg ahead of a trip to England next week.

Brighton Form

The Seagulls look a long way below their best of late. After a six-match unbeaten run (three wins, three draws) around the turn of the year, they’ve lost four of their last seven matches. Their performances and results are wildly inconsistent.

A 4-0 destruction away to Luton was followed by a resounding 4-1 home win vs Crystal Palace. They lost 2-1 at Tottenham and then thrashed Sheffield United 5-0 away as they faced ten men for 77 minutes. A last-gasp goal was needed to rescue a 1-1 home draw vs Everton before two losses: 1-0 at Wolves in the FA Cup and 3-0 at Fulham in the league on Saturday despite having 70% possession.

Brighton Team News

Kaoru Mitoma has a serious back problem and will play no part for the rest of the season. Solly March is out, and Joao Pedro is very doubtful in attack too. Ansu Fati and Simon Adingra both only played 45 minutes at Fulham and should be recalled.

Billy Gilmour is available despite a domestic suspension, but this match comes too soon for James Milner. Jack Hinshelwood should shake off a knock-to feature. Pascal Gross was used for just 31 minutes at Craven Cottage, so he is fresh for this one.

Brighton Motivation

De Zerbi is prioritising this competition over the league. That was shown when he rested players on Saturday.

They will go to Rome and try to avoid defeat. De Zerbi’s side will attack, and he will be extra motivated to impress in his homeland with teams like Barcelona and Liverpool linked with his services.

Key Stats

Roma have won 3 of their last 4 home matches in Serie A (1 loss in 9 overall under De Rossi)

Roma have seen Both Teams to Score YES in 9 of their last 11 matches

Roma’s Lukaku has scored 6 goals in the Europa League this season

Brighton’s last 8 matches have produced 30 goals (16 scored, 14 conceded)

Brighton have lost 4 of their last 5 away matches

Verdict

This should be an open and exciting match with both sides on target. Roma have enough to at least draw this first leg considering Brighton’s poor away form.

Best Bet: Both Teams to Score at 1.60

Alternate Bet: Roma win/draw double chance + Over 1.5 goals at 1.74

Value Bet: Roma win and Lukaku to score at 4.07