Prediction: Slavia Prague vs Roma

Verdict: Over 1.5 goals

Best Odds: 2/5

Bookmaker: Luckster

Looking to extend on their Europa League romp on Thursday evening, Roma will travel to the Fortuna Arena when they meet Slavia Prague.

Slavia Prague

Starting with the hosts, while Slavia Prague might find themselves still sat in pole position to punch their Europa League knockout stage ticket, Jindřich Trpisovsky’s men are seeking an immediate response. Slumping to a 2-0 loss when they travelled to Roma a fortnight ago, the Czech giants failed to pick up any real momentum over the weekend. Eventually falling to a shock 2-1 loss at the hands of Plzen, the Salvists have now lost two of their previous three appearances across all competitions. However, despite facing another tough examination here, Trpisovsky’s side do hold an eye-catching European record at the Fortuna Arena. In fact, along with a remarkable 6-0 romp against Sheriff on October 5th, Slavia have won each of their last three Europa League showdowns in front of their own supporters by an aggregate score of 11-0.

Team News

Still dealing with a long-term muscle injury and not making a single appearance since the end of September, Slavia Prague will once again be without midfielder Petr Sevcik on Thursday evening. Although Stanislav Tecl might have returned to Trpisovsky’s squad over the weekend, the 33-year-old will likely have to settle for another spot on the bench.

Bagging what turned out to be a consolation strike against Plzen while on domestic duties last weekend, former Den Haag striker Mick van Buren will spearhead Prague’s charge in midweek.

Roma

As for the visitors, making an immediate return to winning ways over the weekend thanks to a 2-1 victory against Leece, Roma should find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. While Jose Mourinho’s men might have opened up the 2023/24 campaign in the midst of a public struggle, the former Manchester United boss has seen his squad come roaring back in some style. Skyrocketing their way up the Serie A standings, the Italian giants are also cruising their way to booking a Europa League knockout stage ticket. Winning each of their three Group G appearances by an aggregate score of 9-1, Roma will certainly be looking to make another statement of intent here. Likewise, along with claiming a 2-0 victory when they welcomed Slavia to the Stadio Olimpico back on October 26th, Mourinho’s side have won six of their previous seven showdowns.

Team News

Still dealing with a long-term knee injury and not making a single appearance this season, Roma will be without England international Tammy Abraham here. However, despite serving a domestic suspension over the weekend, ex-PSG star Leandro Paredes could be handed a full recall in midweek.

Once again finding the net away at Leece last weekend and already notching nine strikes across all competitions since making a season-long loan switch from Chelsea, the red-hot Romelu Lukaku will spearhead Mourinho’s attack on Thursday evening.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides met for their reverse Europa League showdown a fortnight ago, Roma picked up a 2-0 victory at the Stadio Olimpico.
• Thursday’s guests have won each of their first three Europa League showdowns by an aggregate score of 9-1.
• Belgium international Romelu Lukaku has notched nine goals across all competitions so far this season.
• Slavia Prague have won each of their last three Europa League contests in front of their own supporters by an aggregate score of 11-0.
• Roma have won six of their previous seven appearances across all competitions – a run that stems back to September 28th.

Conclusion

Picking up what was a routine 2-0 victory when they welcomed Slavia Prague to the Stadio Olimpico on October 26th, Roma will certainly be seeking a repeat performance here. However, while Mourinho’s side might have won six of their previous seven appearances across all formats, Thursday’s hosts will be excited by a rampant Europa League record at the Fortuna Arena. Winning each of their last three European contests in front of their own supporters by an aggregate score of 11-0, we could be treated to another enjoyable affair in midweek.

Verdict: Over 1.5 goals

Best Odds: 2/5

Bookmaker: Luckster