Roma vs Athletic Bilbao prediction, H2H & Probable Line-ups - September 26, 2024
One of the most highly anticipated matches of the first round of the Europa League group stage will take place in Rome, where the local Roma will face Athletic Bilbao. Here’s the expert prediction from the Dailysports team.
Roma
The Romans began the season with changes on the managerial front. Daniele De Rossi left the club, making way for Igor Jurić. The new coach had an impressive debut, as the "Giallorossi" crushed Udinese 3-0 at home in Serie A.
Goals were scored by Artem Dovbyk, Paulo Dybala (from the penalty spot), and Tommaso Baldanzi. This marked Roma's first victory of the season, placing them 10th in the Serie A standings.
Athletic Bilbao
Ernesto Valverde's side enters the Europa League opener riding a three-game winning streak in La Liga. The Basques secured consecutive victories over Las Palmas (3-2), Leganés (2-0), and Celta Vigo (3-1). As a result, Athletic currently sits in third place in La Liga, having earned 13 points from their first seven matches.
Their deficit to leaders Barcelona stands at five points. Additionally, Oihan Sancet, with three goals this season, remains the team's top scorer.
Match Facts
- Only two of Roma's last five matches have seen over 2.5 goals.
- The "Both Teams to Score" bet won in two of the last five games involving Roma.
- The "Both Teams to Score" bet has cashed in four of Athletic's last seven games.
H2H
The teams have only previously met in friendly matches, with their last encounter in 2019 ending in a 2-2 draw.
Probable Lineups
- Roma: Svilar, Angeliño, N'Dicka, Mancini, El Shaarawy, Cristante, Pisilli, Çelik, Pellegrini, Dybala, Dovbyk.
- Athletic: Agirrezabala, Bóviro, Paredes, Vivian, De Marcos, Jaureguizar, Prados Díaz, Berenguer, Sancet, Williams, Guruzeta.
Prediction
Roma has certainly received a boost with the arrival of their new coach, but Athletic is in fine form at the start of the season. The home side will face a tough challenge and is likely to encounter strong resistance from the visitors. Our bet for the match is "Both Teams to Score" at odds of 1.88.
