AS Roma - Bayer Leverkusen predictions and free betting tips [02/05/2024]

On Thursday, 2nd May, in the first match of the Europa League semi-final, Roma will host Bayer Leverkusen on their home ground. The hosts, under the leadership of De Rossi, are in excellent form and keen to reach their third consecutive continental final, while Leverkusen are yet to taste defeat this season.

Predicted Line-ups

Roma: Svilar; Karsdorp, Mancini, Ndicka, Angelino; Cristante, Paredes, Pellegrini; Dybala, Lukaku, El Shaarawy.
Bayer: Hradecky; Kossounou, Tah, Hincapie; Frimpong, Palacios, Xhaka, Grimaldo; Wirtz, Adli; Schick.

Stadium

The clash will take place in Rome at the Stadio Olimpico.

Roma

Roma stunned everyone in the last round by knocking Milan out of the previous round of the Europa League, winning both matches (0:1 and 2:1 in the return match, with the Romans playing with ten men for over an hour). Since De Rossi took charge of the capital team, Roma's results have been consistent: they are more involved than ever in the race for the Champions League in the domestic league, given that the top five clubs from Italy get a ticket to the main club competition in Europe. Last week, the Wolves hosted direct competitor Bologna at home but couldn't spoil Thiago Motta's plans (1:3 defeat).

However, Roma redeemed themselves with an away victory over Udinese (1:2). Over the weekend, the team faced Napoli and drew an intense 2:2 match thanks to a goal from Tammy Abraham. It's worth noting that Roma has only lost one of their last eight matches at the Olimpico in all competitions, boasting seven victories.

Bayer

In the 21st century, Bayer Leverkusen became the club with the longest unbeaten run in all competitions after reaching the semi-finals – 44 matches, overtaking Juventus from the 2011-12 season (now already 46 matches, including a 2:2 draw with Stuttgart). Xabi Alonso fully deserves a salute on this achievement, having led his team to their first ever championship and now vying for a treble in the Europa League and upcoming German Cup final against Kaiserslautern. For Bayer, who have never won anything, being perhaps the greatest team in European football over the past decade is an incredible achievement.

Head-to-Head

Throughout their history, these clubs have faced each other six times. The last two matches took place last year at the same stage of the Europa League when Roma under José Mourinho reached the final (1:0 on aggregate).

Match prediction: Roma vs. Bayer

Leverkusen has had a fantastic season and has yet to taste defeat in all competitions. Xabi Alonso's charges have already secured the title in Germany, so now it's time to focus on Europe. Roma, on the other hand, have to juggle multiple fronts and have been weakened by personnel losses.

Total Prediction

With the home crowd behind them, Roma will be keen to gain an advantage ahead of the second leg, while Bayer's counter-attacks are arguably the best in modern football. I'll wager on both teams scoring.

Corner Prediction

Both teams favour an attacking style of play and have quality wingers, so I'm predicting a total of over 9.5 corners.

Yellow Card Prediction

Neither side is known for their rough play, and it’s unlikely that they will accumulate more than 4 yellow cards in total.

Score Predictions

I'm predicting a scoreline of 1:1.