Europe Europa League Play-Off (2nd Leg)

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Roma vs Feyenoord Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Roma:
Svilar; Karsdorp, Diego Llorente, Mancini, Spinazzola; Cristante, Paredes, Pellegrini; Dybala, Lukaku, Zalewski

Feyenoord:
Wellenreuther; Geertruida, Beelen, Hancko, Hartman; Stengs, Zerrouki, Wieffer; Minteh, Gimenez, Igor Paixao

Roma will host Feyenoord to the Stadio Olimpico in the second leg of their Europa League playoff tie on Thursday. The first match played seven days ago in Rotterdam finished with an 1:1 draw. Feyenoord had led through Igor Paixao's header on the stroke of half-time., but Roma managed to equalize in the 67th minute through their best scorer Romelu Lukaku. The Dutch side almost won the game in the finish when Luka Ivanusec hit the post. However, nothing is decided yet. The task for the visitors was to get out of Rotterdam with the tie still alive, and they certainly did that thanks to Lukaku. The away draw makes Roma favorites ahead of the return match.

Roma were successful in Europa last two season. They won the Conference League in 2022 and reached the final of Europe League in 2023. The success was directly connect with Jose Mourinho. But the current situation is different, the Giallorossi are under new management having replaced Mourinho with Daniele De Rossi in January. The results are much better under the new coach - four victories and just one defeat on five league matches. The players confidence is higher, but De Rossi has some issues too. Striker Tammy Abraham is still unavailable, while Edoardo Bove is out due to suspension. First-choice goalkeeper Rui Patricio is not sure anymore as it looks like young Mile Svilar is pushing for another start after the Serbian impressed at Frosinone at the weekend. Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini were both rested in that match, which means they should start here.

Feyenoord played in UEFA Champions League, but finished as third in Group E. They are facing Roma for the third time, but hope for different outcome now. Coach Arne Slot is surely happy with the fact Mourinho is not his opponent now. De Rossi was excellent player, but lacks coaching experience. This could be a big opportunity for Arne Slot. The domestic results are solid, Feyenoord beat RKC Waalwijk on Thursday. It was a narrow 1:0 win thanks to 84th minute goal scored by Mats Wieffer. I believe the atmosphere in the squad is good, but coach Slot has some worries ahead of this match as three players are still injured - Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Gernot Trauner, and goalkeeper Justin Bijlow. The latter will once again be replaced by Timon Wellenreuther. On the positive note, Quinten Timber and Lutsharel Geertruida are available after both missed the first leg last week.

Roma vs Feyenoord Prediction:

Feyenoord failed to beat Roma at home, so I think they missed their opportunity. Roma have the home advantage now and I expect to win. The Giallorossi will have big support from their loyal fans, but they also have a player able to make difference in match like this - Romelu Lukaku. He has failed to score in just one of his last 18 Europa League appearances, netting 21 goals across that period. The Belgian striker has scored in Rotterdam and that goal puts him third in the tournament’s list of all-time scorers. Only Radamel Falcao and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (both on 30) have scored more goals than Lukaku. However, he is in solid form and could lead the team to the next knockout round. I expect Roma to win and to qualify.

Roma vs Feyenoord Pick: Roma to win @ 2.05 with Everygame