Europe Europa League Semifinals - 2nd Leg (18. May)

[spkutano]

 

[spkutano]

Bayer Leverkusen vs Roma Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Bayer Leverkusen:
Hradecky; Tapsoba, Tah, Hincapie; Frimpong, Demirbay, Palacios, Bakker; Diaby, Wirtz, Adli

Roma:
Patricio; Mancini, Smalling, Ibanez; Celik, Matic, Cristante, Spinazzola; Pellegrini, Wijnaldum; Abraham

Bayer Leverkusen welcome Roma to Bay Arena as both teams look for a place in the Europa League final where either Juventus or Sevilla will await. The Italians won 1:0 in the first leg thanks to Edoardo Bove's second-half goal. The 20-year-old passed into the bottom corner after Abraham's shot was saved. It was his first goal in the European competitions. Bayer Leverkusen also had few opportunities, but Florian Wirtz missed in the sixth minute, while Jeremie Frimpong's effort in the 86th minute was blocked. It was a tense match with lot of fouls and seven yellow cards. There were several penalty appeals from both teams, but referee Michael Oliver and VAR did not confirm any. The game saw Jose Mourinho up against his former player Xavi Alonso. The Spaniard have previously played 151 games under Mourinho in Real Madrid.

Bayer Leverkusen had a successful European campaign in this calendar year. Since dropping out of the Champions League last autumn, Leverkusen have eliminated Monaco, Ferencvaros and Union Royale. They were particularly impressive against the Belgian side in the quarterfinals, winning 5:2 on aggregate. Despite the defeat seven days ago, it is clear Xavi Alonso's men will not give up. The Spaniard has some injury worries. Two players suffered injuries at Olimpico a week ago - Odilon Kossounou and Robert Andrich. Neither featured against Stuttgart at the weekend, and both remain doubtful. Should they don't recover in time for this match, Kerem Demirbay and Mitchel Bakker could deputize. Patrik Schick and Karim Bellarabi remain long-term absentees. The latter announced he will leave the club at the end of the season, after 12 years.

Roma have advantage, but one goal guarantees nothing. Nevertheless, they have a man able to make a difference in a match like this - Coach Jose Mourinho. The Portuguese tactician guided Roma to success in the Europa Conference League last season and became the only manager that won all three European competitions. It won't be easy as the last results are poor and the players confidence isn't high. The Giallorossi played out a goalless draw with Bologna on Sunday and currently sit on the sixth place in Serie A. Roma are five games without a league win and I think lost their chance to secure a Champions League spot through the league. Key player Paulo Dybala has returned to training, but is unlikely to play. Chriss Smalling and Zeki Celik are expected to be ready in time for this match.

Bayer Leverkusen vs Roma Prediction:

I expect a tight match with lot of nervous. Both Bayer and Roma are outside Top-4 in domestic Bundesliga and Serie A, so their qualification into next season’s Champions League depends entirely on winning the Europa League. It is hard to predict this match, though I think Roma are able to remain unbeaten at Bay Arena. There is one reason for my pick - Jose Mourinho. His experience could be priceless in this match. He guided Roma to its first trophy in 14 years after victory in the Europa Conference League last season. I don't see a way his former player Xabi Alonso to surprise him.

Bayer Leverkusen vs Roma Pick: Roma +0.5 AH @ 1.85 with Pinnacle