Real Betis will put their 100% start to their Europa League campaign on the line when they travel to the Stadio Olimpico to face a Roma side that are third in Group C on Thursday at 20:00 GMT.
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Can Roma Bolster the Chances in Group C with a Win?
Jose Mourinho’s men go into the clash with Betis off the back of beating Inter at the San Siro. The target for Roma will be getting a win to lift them off third place and enhance their chances of winning Group C.
Mourinho will expect a highly charged encounter against the La Liga side as both teams will be looking for a win. Roma will look to be compact and dynamic on the ball.
With Betis expected to dominate the ball, Roma will be primed to leverage transitions and possession turnovers with pacey attacks down the flanks behind the Betis defense.
Can Real Betis make it three wins on the trot against Roma?
Manuel Pellegrini’s charges like to be dominant and impose their style on their opponents. This will be the case in the clash with Roma in Italy. Real Betis will look to dominate the ball and use their territorial advantage to create chances.
Betis will be wary of the rapid attacking power of Roma, especially on the counter-attack and when possession turns over.
Pellegrini will focus on a team shape and pressing approach that will seek to counter-press and cut off the danger at the source by winning the ball back as soon as they lose it.
Form Guide
Roma
Mourinho’s charges have opened their season with five wins, one draw, and two losses in their first eight fixtures in Serie A. They currently sit 6th on the table, one point behind fourth-placed Lazio.
In their last five matches, Roma’s inconsistency is in full display as they have won three times and lost twice. They have collected nine points and dropped six in the process.
In their Europa campaign, Roma have won one and lost the other in their two outings so far. They opened their account with a surprising 2-1 defeat away to Ludogorets; however, they bounced back with a 3-0 win over HJK on matchday 2.
Real Betis
Real Betis have started well in La Liga; they have five wins and two defeats in their opening seven outings. They currently occupy the last Champions League position in the top-four with 15 points, four off the summit.
In their last five matches in the league, Pellegrini’s charges have won three times and lost twice. They have hauled nine points and dropped six in the process.
In their Europa League group stage campaign, Real Betis have won both of their opening two fixtures. Their first clash away to HJK ended in a 0-2 triumph, whereas their matchday 2, a home clash against Ludogorets, ended in a 3-2 win.
Possible Starting Lineups
Roma
Patricio; R. Ibanez, C. Smalling, G. Mancini; L. Spinazzola, N. Matic, B. Cristante, M. Z. Celik; N. Zaniolo, P. Dybala; L. Pellegrini
Real Betis
Bravo; A. Ruibal, L. Felipe, E. Gonzalez, J. Miranda; P. Akouokou, A. Guardado; L. H, S. Canales, Joaquin; Willian Jose
Players to Watch
P. Dybala
Dybala has taken well to life at the Stadio Olimpico; he has four goals to his name in seven outings for Roma in Serie A. He also has a goal in the two appearances in the Europe League for Mourinho’s side.
The 28-year-old will be crucial for Mourinho’s men when they face Betis on Thursday. His guile, passing, and eye-for-a-goal will be important tools against a good Betis side.
Willian Jose
The 30-year-old Brazilian has been pivotal for Betis in the Europa League. He has grabbed two goals in his two appearances in the Europa League campaign for Pellegrini’s side this season.
Real Betis will depend heavily on Jose’s movement, pace, and dynamism in the attacking areas to cause openings and chances against the Roma defense.
Prediction
Roma will mainly look to be solid with a medium-low bloc designed to deny Betis any spaces in the final third. This approach will be doubled up with quick counter-attacks during possession turnovers.
Real Betis will set up to dominate the ball and create chances through fast dynamic passing. They will have the lion’s share of possession during this match.
Given the quality and form of these two sides, Roma are favored to win the match and take three points.
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