Two famous clubs lock horns in the opening round of fixtures in the new-look Europa League on Thursday night.
Serie A side Roma have the home advantage against their Spanish guests Athletic Bilbao for what should be an evenly-matched game.
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Roma vs Athletic Bilbao prediction: Possible stalemate on the cards
Key Stats
- Athletic Bilbao have only lost one of their last five matches.
- Under 2.5 goals have been produced in four of Roma's last six outings.
- Three of Athletic Bilbao's last five matches have witnessed fewer than three goals.
Correct score prediction: Roma 1-1 Athletic Bilbao
Each of Roma's four draws in their last six matches have produced under 2.5 goals and with Athletic Bilbao only failing to score in one of their last six fixtures, you can see why we're backing a correct score prediction of 1-1.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Bookies backing a home win
- HOME: 11/10 (2.10) – 47.6%
- DRAW: 12/5 (3.40) – 29.4%
- AWAY: 3/1 (4.00) – 25%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Roma are the expected winner of this game with a probability of 47.6% but we are predicting a close game between the two clubs.
You can find all our predictions for today's games on our football betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: First competitive encounter
These two clubs met for a pre-season friendly in 2019 which ended in a 2-2 draw but Thursday's clash marks their first competitive head-to-head.
Elite Club Friendlies 07/08/19
Roma
Athletic Bilbao
Roma preview: Only lost one of last six
Roma's slow start to the season saw club legend Daniele De Rossi sacked after just four games, a decision the Roma fans weren't happy about.
However, Ivan Juric guided the club to its first victory of the season at the weekend, a 3-0 home win against Udinese.
Alexis Saelemaekers and Enzo Le Fee are both unavailable for selection due to injury and aren't expected back in action until October.
Predicted lineup: Svilar (GK), Angelino, Celik, Mancini, Ndicka, Cristante, Pellegrini, Pisilli, El Shaarawy, Dybala & Dovbyk
UEFA Europa League 03/10/24
L
Elfsborg
1
Roma
0
Italy Serie A 29/09/24
W
Venezia
1
Roma
2
UEFA Europa League 26/09/24
D
Athletic Bilbao
1
Roma
1
Italy Serie A 22/09/24
W
Udinese
0
Roma
3
Italy Serie A 15/09/24
D
Genoa
1
Roma
1
Athletic Bilbao preview: Sit third in La Liga
Athletic Bilbao have made a very promising start to the new season, despite losing two of their opening four league games.
Defeats to Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have been overshadowed by wins against Valencia, Las Palmas, Leganes and Celta Vigo to put Ernesto Valverde's sit third in the table.
Yuri Berchiche, Nico Williams, Yeray Alvarez and Unai Simon are all injured right now and during the 3-1 win over Celta Vigo, second-choice goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala picked up an injury and is now a doubt for the Roma game.
Predicted lineup: Padilla (GK), De Marcos, Vivian, Paredes, Prados, Boiro, Sancet, Jauregizar, I. Williams, Berenguer & Guruzeta
UEFA Europa League 03/10/24
W
AZ
0
Athletic Bilbao
2
Spain La Liga 29/09/24
D
Sevilla
1
Athletic Bilbao
1
UEFA Europa League 26/09/24
D
Roma
1
Athletic Bilbao
1
Spain La Liga 22/09/24
W
Celta Vigo
1
Athletic Bilbao
3
Spain La Liga 19/09/24
W
Leganes
0
Athletic Bilbao
2
Player to watch: Inaki Williams
Inaki Williams often lives in the shadow of his younger brother these days but the 30-year-old has made a fantastic start to the season and will cause the Roma defence plenty of issues on Thursday night.
Williams has four assists and one goal to his name in his opening seven appearances of the 2024/25 campaign and we're expecting the Athletic Bilbao legend to continue his fine form against Roma.
The Roma defence will have to keep a close eye on Inaki Williams
Williams just needs one more goal to make 100 for Athletic Bilbao in his 11th season in the first-team and we wouldn't be surprised if that goal arrived on Thursday in the Europa League.
