Roma will host Bologna in the second leg of their UEFA Europa League knockout playoff on Thursday night, looking to book a place in the quarterfinals.
The two teams played out to a 1-1 draw in the first leg last week, setting up the second leg to be a potentially explosive encounter. Lorenzo Pellegrini scored a late equalizer to salvage a point for Roma.
Roma have been eliminated from this stage in four of their last seven appearances in the competition. The pressure is on for a victory in the home leg as they look to qualify for the last eight.
Bologna are unbeaten in 10 Europa League matches and will be a true test for the hosts. Their impeccable away form also gives them more than a fighting chance at qualification.
We have a look at both sides ahead of the highly anticipated clash and offer our predicted outcome.
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What time does Roma vs Bologna start?
The game kicks off at 11PM E.A.T
Roma vs Bologna team news
Paulo Dybala and Evan Ferguson remain sidelined through injury and will not feature. Zeki Celik also went off injured in the first leg and will sit this one out.
The goal scorer from the first leg, Pellegrini will be a key part of the hosts. The attacking trio will be completed by Stephan El Shaarawy and new signing Donyell Malen.
The rest of the team will remain unchanged from the first leg.
For the visitors, Juan Miranda is suspended and will not play. As well as Lorenzo di Silvestri and Nikola Moro who are injured.
Bologna are expected to remain a similar XI to the side that started at the Stadio Olimpico.
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Roma vs Bologna head-to-head and current form
The hosts come into the game without a win in their last four games in all competitions – losing twice in that run.
Bologna on the other hand have won three of the last five matches, losing just one of those games. The visiting side have won all of their last five away matches and will be confident they can extend that record here.
There have been two draws in the recent five head-to-head matches between these two sides, with Bologna holding a slight advantage with two wins.
Current form:
Roma – LDLDW
Bologna – WDLWW
Roma vs Bologna previous games
Roma vs Bologna prediction
Despite having home advantage, Roma’s form has been worrying, and they are expected to be under pressure from Bologna throughout the 90.
Bologna’s away form is impressive and they cannot be counted out here, goals are a better option for the game.
Prediction – Both teams to score – CLICK HERE TO PLACE YOUR BET ON THIS GAME!
