AS Roma – Betis : Preview & Prediction
Roma have won three of their last four games (G3, P1), a good record for José Mourinho’s side, who watched last Saturday’s 2-1 comeback win over Inter from the team bus after being suspended. The legendary Portuguese coach returns to the dugout to try to guide his side to a second successive UEFA Europa League (UEL) win, with a 3-0 victory over HJK Helsinki on matchday two. In that match, the Giallorossi registered their highest number of shots (29) since mid-May.
The 2021-22 UEFA Europa Conference League champions will have the support of a sold-out Stadio Olimpico, with an attendance of more than 60 000 for their tenth consecutive official home game. Roma have made their stadium a fortress in Europe, currently unbeaten in 20 home matches in UEFA competitions (G14, E6 – excluding qualifiers), a strength that Real Betis will put to the test.
Los Verdiblancos travel to the Eternal City leading Group C with six points. On matchday two, Manuel Pellegrini’s side beat Ludogorets 3-2 in a game in which Joaquín scored a masterful goal to become the oldest player (41) to score in the UEL. In LaLiga, Betis are also performing at a very high level (15/21 pts – G5, P2) and currently occupy fourth place despite their 1-0 loss to Celta Vigo last Sunday.
Each of Betis’ two defeats this season has been away from home, but the Heliopolis club have a more than respectable away record in the UEL group stage (G4, E3, P3). However, the Verdiblanco side have not won more than one away game in their three previous UEL campaigns, something they can improve on this Thursday.
Players to watch: Paulo Dybala has scored Roma’s opening goal in each of his last three games, and four of his five goals for La Loba have come in the opening 45 minutes. The early parity could also be broken by Betis striker Borja Iglesias, who is in the form of his career and has scored four of his six goals this season before the 35th minute.
Serie A highlight: Roma have scored all four of their UEL 2022-23 goals in second halves.
AS Roma – Betis : Betting Tips
BTS/YES & OVER 2.5 GOALS Odds: 2.25
