MATCH OVERVIEW
The upcoming UEFA Europa League match between Roma and Athletic Bilbao promises to be a captivating affair. Scheduled to kick off at 20:00 CET at the iconic Stadio Olimpico, this fixture holds significant weight in the context of the current season. Both teams are eager to secure a victory that could propel them further in the competition, making this a must-watch for football enthusiasts.
ODDS ANALYSIS
The average odds for this match suggest a closely contested battle, with Roma slightly favored at 2.37, while Athletic Bilbao stands at 3.24, and a draw at 3.26. These odds translate to a probability of approximately 42% for a Roma win, 31% for a draw, and 31% for an Athletic Bilbao victory. The odds indicate a tight match, with Roma having a slight edge due to their home advantage.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Roma
Roma has been consistent this season, averaging 1.4 goals per match and maintaining a solid defensive record with only 0.9 goals conceded per game. Their possession rate of 55.3% highlights their ability to control the game, while their expected goals (xG) of 1.92 per match suggests they create quality scoring opportunities. However, their over 2.5 goals percentage is relatively low at 30%, indicating a tendency for lower-scoring games.
Athletic Bilbao
Athletic Bilbao, on the other hand, has shown a potent attack with an average of 1.88 goals per game and a strong defensive setup, conceding just 0.88 goals per match. Their expected goals against (xGA) of 0.86 further emphasizes their defensive solidity. With a possession rate of 53%, they are capable of dictating play, and their over 2.5 goals percentage of 50% suggests they are involved in more high-scoring encounters.
Head-to-Head
Historically, these teams have not faced each other frequently, making this encounter even more intriguing. Roma's home advantage could play a crucial role, but Athletic Bilbao's form cannot be underestimated.
KEY PLAYERS SPOTLIGHT
Roma
- Paulo Dybala: With 2 goals this season, Dybala remains a key figure in Roma's attack. His creativity and ability to unlock defenses will be vital.
- Evan Ndicka: A strong presence in defense, Ndicka's performances will be crucial in keeping Athletic Bilbao's attackers at bay.
Athletic Bilbao
- Iñaki Williams: Leading the scoring charts for Bilbao with 4 goals, Williams' pace and finishing ability make him a constant threat.
- Nico Williams: With 2 goals, Nico adds depth to Bilbao's attacking options and can exploit any defensive lapses.
STATISTICAL DEEP DIVE
- Offensive Metrics: Roma averages 14.6 shots per game with 4.7 on target, while Athletic Bilbao averages 12.63 shots with 5 on target.
- Defensive Metrics: Roma's defense is slightly more disciplined, with fewer dangerous own half losses (4.4) compared to Bilbao's 2.38.
- Passing and Possession: Roma's passing accuracy is higher, with 480.5 successful passes per game compared to Bilbao's 382.25.
PREDICTION AND CONCLUSION
Based on the data, Roma's home advantage and slightly better defensive record give them a slight edge. However, Athletic Bilbao's attacking prowess cannot be ignored. The match-winning factors could include Roma's ability to control possession and Bilbao's counter-attacking threat. A closely fought contest is expected, with a final score prediction of 2-1 in favor of Roma.