Roma vs Bayer Leverkusen: Betting Odds & Prediction

(Featured image: Alamy Images)

Written by: Bradley Walker

Roma host a Bayer Leverkusen side still yet to taste defeat in any competition this season as the Europa League semi-finals get underway. 

Both sides salvaged draws in their domestic leagues with late equalisers at the weekend. Kick-off is set for 8pm UK time at the Stadio Olimpico. 

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Roma 

The hosts come into the tie following a 3-1 aggregate win over fellow Italians AC Milan in the quarter-finals. Roma's progression continued the good form they've enjoyed since Daniele De Rossi took over as manager in January. 

They also secured a 2-2 draw away at Napoli, leaving them in fifth in Serie A and on course to secure a spot in next season's Champions League. Roma boast the third-best home record in the Italian top-flight, and their positive form has also been reflected in their European campaign so far.

After six home outings in the Europa League, Roma have won five and drawn one. 16 goals scored leaves them with an average of 2.67 per game, but it's in defensive quarters where Roma have really excelled. Only two home goals conceded, at an average of 0.33, has led to four of their six home fixtures ending in a clean sheet. 

The first leg could therefore prove significant if De Rossi's men are to prevail, especially given their inability to perform on the road. Roma have won just two of six away matches in Europe, and have particularly struggled to find the net with an average of just 0.83 scored so far. They've also conceded one goal per game. 

Bayer Leverkusen 

A 96th minute equaliser from Robert Andrich saw Leverkusen continue their remarkable unbeaten record across all competitions so far. Xabi Alonso's side have already secured their first Bundesliga title, and are also in the final of the DfB Pokal alongside their European commitments. A 3-1 aggregate win over West Ham United saw them progress to the semi-final stages.

Leverkusen already boast the best away record in the Bundesliga, and have also won three of their five matches on the road in Europe. Though their 1.6 goals scored falls significantly short of the 3.8 averaged at home, Alonso's men have found the net at least once in every single European away match. 

Their defensive record is also impressive; Leverkusen have shipped just 0.8 on average in both home and away fixtures, with two of their five away outings ending in a clean sheet. 

Prediction

Roma have struggled on the road in Europe and so will likely need a positive result in the first leg if they are to reach the final. Leverkusen, meanwhile, have excelled in both home and away fixtures in all competitions. 

Though the home side boast a positive record at the Stadio Olimpico, it's hard to back against a side who are still yet to lose a single game this season. OddsNow therefore back Leverkusen to secure another win in a high-scoring encounter as their remarkable campaign continues on the continent. 

OddsNow's Pick: Bayer Leverkusen to win (11/10 @ Betway); Over 2.5+ goals scored (42/41 @ vbet)

 

 

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