Europe Europa League Last 16 - 2nd Leg

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Athletic Bilbao vs Roma Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Athletic Bilbao:
Agirrezabala; De Marcos, Nunez, Paredes, Yuri; Jauregizar, Ruiz De Galarreta; I. Williams, Gomez, N. Williams; Sannadi

Roma:
Svilar; Rensch, Mancini, Ndicka; Saelemaekers, Paredes, Cristante, Angelino; Dybala, Baldanzi; Dovbyk

Athletic Bilbao will welcome Roma to Stadio San Mames – the venue for this season's Europe League final. Athletic need a victory to avoid elimination. A narrow victory for Athletic means the game will go in the extra-time, possibly penalties. However, a handicap victory could see the Basks securing the quarterfinals. The reverse fixture played seven days ago, was decided in the stoppage time, when Eldor Shomurodov scored the winner. Previously, Inaki Williams put Bilbao ahead in the 50th minute, while Angelino netted the equalizer six minutes later.

Athletic Bilbao have a solid season so far. The Bask's outfit are fourth in La Liga, just after the Big-3 teams Real, Barcelona and Atletico. Ernesto Valverde's men have collect 49 points, five more than fifth placed Villarreal. The last results are not at desired level, they have one win, one draw and one defeat on the last three league fixtures, plus the mentioned loss in the Italian Capital. Valverde has additional issues as two important defenders are out - Dani Vivian is injured, while Yeray Alvarez was sent off and he must now serve a suspension. The guests will also be without Alvaro Djalo and Oihan Sancet due to ankle and thigh injury respectively.

Roma are playing better and better as the season goes. A big number of their fans were not expecting such good finish, particularly after two coaching changes - Daniele de Rossi was sacked in September and his successor Ivan Juric shortly after. And the results started to improve after Claudio Ranieri took the team. At the moment Roma are unbeaten on the last eight matches across all competitions, winning six in a row. The players confidence is very high and I think the series will continue. Ranieri has almost all players available, only Zeki Celik is out injured, while Paulo Dybala is rated as doubtful.

Athletic Bilbao vs Roma Prediction:

Athletic Bilbao have won all four Europa League fixtures at San Mames this season. In addition, they scored at least once in each of their last 17 competitive matches. They play at home and they are favorites in this match, but I think different. The actual Roma coach Claudio Ranieri composed a fantastic team and the results pleased the fans. And trust me, Roma fans are not easy to be pleased. Ranieri is known as coach who made a miracle with Leicester City eight years ago. He is definitely capable to create more miracles. In addition, Valverde has big issues at the heart of defense with Dani Vivian injured and Yeray Alvarez suspended.

Athletic Bilbao vs Roma Pick: Roma +0.5 AH @ 1.98 with Pinnacle