Best Odds: 8/11
Bookmaker:
Looking to spring a Europa League upset at the Stadio Olimpico on Thursday night, Bayer Leverkusen will make the trip to Roma when both sides open their Europa League semi-final adventure.
Starting with the hosts, while Roma might have returned from March’s international break with their sights set on punching a lucrative top-four finish in Serie A, Jose Mourinho’s side have come crashing back down to earth in a worrying fashion. Last seen over the weekend putting in another downbeat display as they slumped to a 2-0 loss at home against Inter Milan, the former Manchester United boss does find some growing pressure on his shoulders. With their recent wobble highlighted by a 3-1 defeat away at Atalanta on April 24th, Roma have also recorded just a single win within 90 minutes from their last seven attempts. With that rut stemming all the way back to April 8th, Mourinho’s side will have plenty of pressure on their shoulders here. Gaining a recent reputation for their defensive issues, the Giallorossi will know that they face another tough test at the Stadio Olimpico on Thursday night.
Team News
After serving a one-match domestic suspension against Roma over the weekend, Zeki Celik should make a full return on Thursday night. However, still dealing with long-term knee issues, the duo of Rick Karsdorp and Marash Kumbulla will once again miss out here.
Having to settle for a spot on the bench last time out, England international Tammy Abraham will be hoping to make a full recall at the Stadio Olimpico. Likewise, despite not featuring in Roma’s last four appearances, ex-Liverpool ace Georginio Wijnaldum could Mady Camara in midfield.
Bayer Leverkusen
As for the visitors, while Bayer Leverkusen might have seen their stunning unbeaten run come to an abrupt end last week, Xabi Alonso’s side have continued to gain a string of plaudits this season. Despite eventually being hit with a 2-1 loss at home against Koln last time out, that is the only defeat Die Werkself have suffered in their last 15 appearances across all competitions a run that stems all the way back to February 19th. Extending on their Europa League adventure thanks to a routine 5-2 aggregate romp against Royale Union, the ex-Real Madrid midfielder will be confident of making a major European statement on Thursday night. Heading into March’s international break with a 2-1 victory against reigning Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, Alonso’s side have impressed on their travels this season. In fact, Bayer Leverkusen are unbeaten in each of their last nine contests away from the BayArena.
Team News
Still dealing with a long-term groin injury and yet to make a single appearance since the start of March, attacking talisman Patrik Schick will once again miss out on Thursday night. Likewise, 31-year-old Andrey Lunev remains on the sidelines with a back issue.
Although Florian Wirtz might have failed to find the net in any of his last four appearances, the 20-year-old has notched three Europa League strikes this season and will have a key role to play at the Stadio Olimpico. Manchester United target Jeremy Frimpong will once again start at right wing-back.
Key Factors to Consider
