Europa League: Top Contenders Collide at the Italian Capital

AS Roma vs Real Betis

Roma and Real Betis are set to do battle in one of, if not the biggest match in the 2022-23 Europa League group stage.

Aside from Arsenal (5.75) and Manchester United (7.00), Roma (15.00) and Betis (21.00) have the highest odds to win the competition according to the Europa League 2022 odds, and this match could go some way toward determining the group winner.

Betis currently lead Group C with two wins out of two and are three points ahead of Roma. Although, Manuel Pellegrini’s side is coming off a stunning loss to Celta Vigo over the weekend.

Meanwhile, Jose Mourinho and Roma are riding high after their massive 2-1 win over Mou’s old club Inter in Milan.

Mourinho succeeded Manuel Pellegrini at Real Madrid, and he has had some harsh words to say about the Chilean in the past. But this match will be the opportunity for the two highly successful managers to settle the score on the pitch.

Talking Points

Roma riding the high of Inter win

Roma will head into their big Europa League clash with Real Betis on the back of a big 2-1 win over Inter Milan. It was by far the biggest win of the season for Jose Mourinho’s side, who had suffered losses to Udinese and Atalanta in September.

Mourinho, who was suspended for the match, made a major call as he elected not to start star striker Tammy Abraham and instead went with Lorenzo Pellegrini as a false nine, with Paulo Dybala and Nicolo Zaniolo in support.

While Roma didn’t create too many chances, Pellegrini and Dybala still provided crucial contributions. Dybala scored Roma’s equaliser with a wonderful volley after Federico Dimarco had given Inter the lead. And Pellegrini supplied the free kick which resulted in Chris Smalling’s winning goal.

Pellegrini doubtful to play

The latest Europa League 2022 updates suggest that Pellegrini might not play against Betis after picking up a slight knock against Inter.

Having Pellegrini unavailable would be a huge blow for Roma. The club captain has been in fantastic form to start the season and particularly in the Europa League. He has played a part in three of Roma’s four Europa League goals (one goal, two assists) and has 11 shots, the most of any player in the competition.

Pellegrini’s potential absence could open the door for Abraham to make his first Europa League start of the season. Abraham, who had a fine debut season with Roma (27 goals in all competitions), has had a slow start to the season with just two goals in eight appearances.

Real Betis look to bounce back

Real Betis’ four-game win streak in all competitions came to an end over the weekend as they fell 1-0 away to Celta Vigo.

Not only did Betis go 1-0 down after just nine minutes, but they also went a man down after centre-back Luiz Felipe was handed a straight red card in the 20th minute.

It was just Betis’ second defeat of the season, with their first coming away to Real Madrid. And it was the first time that Betis had been held goalless all season.

But the Verdiblancos will be eager to bounce back in the Europa League, where they have won their first two games, scoring five goals.

Striker Willian Jose has started both Europa League games thus far in place of leading scorer Borja Iglesias (six goals) and scored both goals in their 2-0 win over HJK. Although, Pellegrini could opt to start Borja in this big game.

Veteran Joaquin and youngster Luiz Henrique have also been regular starters in the Europa League, although Nabil Fekir is back fit after suffering muscle issues and could get some much-needed playing time. Both Joaquin and Luiz Henrique got on the scoresheet in Betis’ 3-2 win at Ludogorets.

History

This will be the first-ever meeting between Roma and Real Betis in European competition.

Roma have a poor record against Spanish opposition, with just two wins against nine defeats and two draws. Meanwhile, Betis are undefeated in their three prior meetings against Italian foes (two wins, one draw).

Although, the Giallorossi have a great record at the Stadio Olimpico. They are unbeaten in their last 20 home games in European competition, with 14 wins and six draws.

Betting Tip

SBOTOP odds have AS Roma installed as sizeable 1.76 favourites to win at the Stadio Olimpico. Real Betis are priced at 3.80, while a draw is 3.45.

Despite Betis’ recent defeat, they pose quite a real danger for Roma. They possess a host of talented attackers who will take the game to the hosts.

Roma have some fine attacking weapons themselves, but the potential absence of their skipper Pellegrini has made me tilt slightly in Betis’ favour.

 

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