Bayer Leverkusen - AS Roma predictions and free betting tips [09/05/2024]

On Thursday, 9th of May, the return leg of the Europa League semi-final, will see Leverkusen's Bayer host Roma. Predominantly, "Pharmacists" have gained a comfortable advantage last week and have a high chance of accomplishing a treble this campaign, having not lost a single match.

Predicted Line-ups

Bayer: Kovar; Tapsoba, Tah, Hincapie; Frimpong, Andrich, Xhaka, Grimaldo; Wirtz, Adli; Schick.
Roma: Svilar; Celik, Mancini, Smalling, Spinazzola; Cristante, Paredes, Pellegrini; Dybala, Lukaku, El Shaarawy.

Stadium

The tie will take place in Leverkusen at the BayArena.

Bayer

A 48-match unbeaten run with 41 wins and 7 draws, this record defines Bayer Leverkusen, who haven't conceded a single loss this campaign, and this streak got maintained last week in Rome (a 0:2 win in the first leg of the Europa League semi-final). Frankly, Xabi Alonso's charges this season have turned into the team with the greatest unbeaten run in the modern era, ending Bayern's 11-year hegemony on the home front and crowned Bundesliga champions well before the end of the national championship.

Moreover, the Black and Reds are contesting for the German Cup, with the final set against humble Kaiserslautern taking place on 25 May. Last weekend, the host team once again pleased their fans by beating Eintracht Frankfurt in the league (1:5); with goals being scored by Xhaka, Schick, Palacios, Frimpong and Bonifá. It's crucial to note that Bayer registered at least two goals in the last ten home matches across all competitions, scoring nine victories out of them. 

Roma

As last season's Europa League finalist, Roma fully understands the daunting challenge ahead if they are to overthrow Bayer in this tie. "The Wolves" must level the tie (Having lost the first leg 0:2) and most importantly, finally beat the "Pharmacists", a feat that no team has accomplished this campaign so far. De Rossi's men are not in their best form when current results are taken into account: The Scarlet and Orange drew 2:2 with crisis-stricken Napoli in the league, and last weekend settled for a draw against Juventus in a fairly open shoot-out (1:1); Lukaku and Bremer each registering a goal in the first half.

As a result, the Romans fell behind Atalanta into the fifth position in the league table, which guarantees a place in the Champions League. A positive note for the Rome-side is that they have only faced one defeat in their last eleven away matches (6 wins, 4 draws, 1 loss). 

Head-to-head Meetings

Last year, these two clubs met at the Europa League's stage at this venue, with Jose Mourinho's Roma assuring their place in the finals (1:0 on aggregate).

Match Prediction Bayer vs Roma

Bayer Leverkusen this season appears to be an invincible machine, and therefore it's hard to imagine any slip-up by the "Pharmacists" at the most crucial moment of their Europa League campaign. Xabi Alonso's men encountered no issues even at the packed Olimpico stands, and now they will have their own fans cheering them. It seems like Roma is not mentally ready to finish the season on a high note, prompting me to bet on the home side's triumph.

Total Score Prediction

Bayer has managed to score at least twice in their last ten home clashes across all competitions. No signs indicate that this streak will end this Thursday.

Corner Prediction

Roma must cut down a two-goal deficit, hence the visitors will be forced to push forward and attack. My bet is on Roma's individual corner total to clock in over 3.5.

Yellow Card Prediction

Each side possesses speedy attacking wings, hence defenders will have to commit many fouls (six yellow cards were shown in the first match). My bet is on a total of more than 4.5 bookings.

Score Prediction

I'll bet on a 3:1 exact score in favour of Bayer.