Prediction: Real Sociedad vs Roma

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 11/5

Bookmaker: 888sport

The UEFA Europa League is back this week as we get ready for the second leg fixtures across the competition. There are just 16 clubs remaining in the fight to make it into the quarter-finals, and many of them still have a viable route to the final. Today, we’ll be looking at a tie that many believe is close to being settled, as Real Sociedad prepare to host Roma on Thursday night.

Real Sociedad

The last few years have seen Real Sociedad announce themselves as a real force of nature in Spanish football. Sure, things have been a bit shaky in recent weeks, but they are firmly in the mix in the top four race and they can give just about any team in La Liga a good game. Now, it’s all about rediscovering that consistency, especially if they want to start making waves on the European stage.

Team News

Merquelanz, Elustondo and Sadiq have all been ruled out of this one through injury.

Roma

Despite initial concerns regarding Jose Mourinho’s appointment as manager, we’d say the fans are pretty happy with the state of play at Roma. In addition to winning the Conference League last year, they’re in with a fighting chance of making the top four. We all know how much the gaffer loves to grind out trophy wins against the odds, too, which is why they should be seen as a dark horse in this competition.

Team News

Llorente, Belotti, Pellegrini, Darboe and Solbakken are all believed to be out of action for the trip due to injury.

Factors to Consider

• In the first leg last week, Roma beat Sociedad 2-0 in Italy.
• Sociedad have won one, drawn three and lost two of their last six games.
• Roma have won four and lost two of their last six games.
• Sociedad have scored five goals and conceded seven in their last six games.
• Roma have scored 10 goals and conceded six in their last six games.

Conclusion

We do think Sociedad will come out firing and if Roma are too laid back, as a Jose team can tend to be from time to time, we expect them to cause the visitors real problems. The Spanish side will likely take the lead which will force Roma to retreat, only coming out of their shell for counter attack opportunities. Eventually, they’ll grab an equaliser against the run of play, ensuring their passage into the quarters.

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 11/5

Bookmaker: 888sport