Verdict: Draw
Best odds: 5/2
Bookmaker: ZetBet
Roma must secure a win to guarantee their place in the Europa League knockout rounds as they host already-qualified Eintracht Frankfurt in Thursday’s final league phase match.
The Italian side holds just a one-point advantage over the elimination zone, while their German opponents are comfortably positioned in second place.
AS Roma
As their inconsistent campaign nears its climax, Roma risk an early exit from European competition for the first time since their Champions League group-stage elimination a decade ago.
The Giallorossi have never fallen at the first hurdle in the Europa League or UEFA Cup, but failure to secure all three points on Thursday could see them drop out of the top 24.
Last week’s 1-0 loss to AZ Alkmaar drew sharp criticism from usually affable coach Claudio Ranieri, as Roma missed the chance to seal a playoff spot. They have now managed just two wins in seven Europa League matches. Although Ranieri has brought some stability after a turbulent period, Roma remain ninth in Serie A, trailing city rivals and Europa League leaders Lazio by nine points in the race for Italy’s fourth Champions League place.
Following their setback in Alkmaar, Roma returned to domestic action on Sunday and finally ended a 13-game wait for an away victory by defeating Udinese 2-1. The prospect of winning consecutive league matches for only the second time this season should lift spirits ahead of a crucial European showdown at Stadio Olimpico.
While Roma can take confidence from their strong home record – losing just three of their last 45 European games while winning 33 – they have struggled against German opposition, winning only three of their last 14 encounters.
Team News
After rotating his squad on Sunday, resting key player Paulo Dybala and handing Devyne Rensch his Roma debut, Claudio Ranieri is expected to field his strongest lineup for Thursday’s crucial clash.
Dybala, Leandro Paredes, Alexis Saelemaekers, and Mats Hummels are all set to return, with the hosts benefiting from a fully fit squad.
The only absentee will be Spanish center-back Mario Hermoso, who has missed training while finalizing a mid-season move to Bayer Leverkusen.
Eintracht Frankfurt
While their hosts face a crucial battle, Eintracht Frankfurt will meet Roma for the first time having already secured their place in the knockout rounds, though it remains to be seen at which stage they will enter.
Die Adler can secure direct passage to the last 16 without a playoff, as a single point would guarantee a valuable top-eight finish. However, a defeat would leave them reliant on results elsewhere, with just three points separating Dino Toppmoller’s side from 10th-placed Bodo/Glimt, which obviously provides a competitive edge for the visitors as well.
Frankfurt climbed to second in the standings last week after a 2-0 home win over Ferencvaros, with goals from Can Uzun and Hugo Ekitike sealing their fifth victory of the league phase. Now, they head back on the road.
Although a 3-2 loss to Lyon on matchday six ended their 18-match unbeaten run in UEFA’s second-tier competition, the 2022 champions had previously won five consecutive Europa League away games and may relish the challenge in Rome.
They prepared for the trip with an eventful 2-2 draw against Hoffenheim, where Ekitike scored twice before conceding a late equalizer. Sitting inside the Bundesliga’s top three, Eintracht should arrive to the Italian capital full of confidence.
Team News
Eintracht Frankfurt recently saw their top scorer, Omar Marmoush, depart for Manchester City, while his replacement, Elye Wahi, remains ineligible until the Europa League knockout phase.
As a result, Hugo Ekitike, Can Uzun, and Mario Gotze should form the attacking line, with Ansgar Knauff also an option. Meanwhile, former Roma loanee Rasmus Kristensen is expected to feature on the visitors’ right defensive flank.
Conclusion
Roma’s form may be inconsistent, but they are generally more reliable at home, where they are much harder to beat.
With Frankfurt needing just a point, they may be content to settle for a draw, leaving the hosts facing a tense wait to see if they progress.
Verdict: Draw
Best odds: 5/2
Bookmaker: ZetBet
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