Europe UEFA Europa League Quarter-finals, 2nd Leg (20 April)

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Roma vs Feyenoord Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Roma:
Patricio; Mancini, Smalling, Ibanez; Zalewski, Matic, Wijnaldum, Spinazzola; Pellegrini, Dybala; Abraham

Feyenoord:
Bijlow; Geertruida, Trauner, Hancko, Hartman; Kokcu, Wieffer, Szymanski; Jahanbakhsh, Gimenez, Idrissi

Roma welcome Feyenoord to Stadio Olimpico in the second leg of their Europa League quarterfinal's tie at Stadio Olimpico. This is a rematch of last year’s final in the inaugural edition of the Conference League, which Roma won in Tirana. The Dutch outfit is now looking for a revenge and they managed to secure a narrow 1:0 win at De Kuip last Thursday. It was an eventful game that was decided in the 54th minute thanks to Matts Wieffer’s volley. Oussama Idrissi should also be mentioned as he set up the goal. Roma captain Lorenzo Pellegrini wasted a golden opportunity in the first half, hitting the post of Feyenoord goalkeeper Justin Bijlow’s goal from the penalty spot. Coach Jose Mourinho had big issues during the game as both key players Paulo Dybala and Tammy Abraham left the match because of injuries.

Roma are in solid form in the last period. The Giallorossi have won the last three matches in Serie A. Even more, they didn't conceded a single goal on these three games. Roma managed to beat Sampdoria 3:0, Torino 1:0 and Udinese 3:0. I believe the atmosphere in the squad is positive, while the players confidence is higher. Strong defense is the base for good results as Mourinho's men have registered nine victories without conceding in 2023, a record equaled only by the leaders Napoli. The Special One has most of his regulars available for this match, including Dybala and Abraham. The latter was introduced as substitute against Udinese on Sunday, while Dybala, who's the club joint-top Europa League scorer with three goals, should return in time for this match. Nevertheless, two players remain sidelined - Ola Solbakken and Rick Karsdorp.

Feyenoord are leaders in Eredivisie and main candidates for the title. They have an eight-point advantage to main rivals Ajax and PSV and only a big collapse in the finish could prevent them from winning the championship. So far they are easily winning the matches - Feyenoord have recorded the ninth consecutive league victory on Sunday when they beat Cambuur with 3:0. Santiago Gimenez opened the scoring in the first half, Sebastian Szymanski doubled the lead in the second, while the third was an own goal by one of opponents' players. There are some good news for the guests as first-choice goalkeeper Justin Bijlow is back from a wrist injury and should start at Olimpico. Coach Arne Slot has only one significant dilemma and it's about the right flank. He has to decide between Alireza Jahanbakhsh, who started against Roma last week, or Igor Paixao who played on Sunday. Quinten Timber remain sidelined through injury.

Roma vs Feyenoord Prediction:

I think Roma will win. They are in good form and the players confidence is high after the big victory against Udinese. Feyenoord have poor record in Italy, they have lost six of the last nine matches on the peninsula, most recently against Lazio at the same stadium in this season's Europa League group stage. Furthermore, the have no win in their last five away games in Europe. Finally, Mourinho is more experienced as coach, compared to Slot.

Roma vs Feyenoord Pick: Rome to win @ 1.86 with Pinnacle