Roma vs Bayer Leverkusen Predictions

• Roma have failed to win in each of their last four games
• Bayer Leverkusen have won four of their last five Europa League games
• The visitors have scored within 13 minutes in all three of their Europa League trips this year, winning each

Master vs apprentice

As Jose Mourinho tries to win the UEFA Cup/Europa League for a third time, the legendary Roma boss comes up against one of his former charges on Thursday night.

Only Cristiano Ronaldo played more minutes under Mourinho at Real Madrid than Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso. The Spaniard is in his first top-flight job after three years with Real Sociedad B, having guided Leverkusen to 17 wins in 32 games since taking charge in October. He’s not only inspired them to push for Europe domestically, but they’re in the hunt for a European trophy.

Step too far for Roma

These two sides are on the fringes of the top four race in their respective leagues, with Roma seventh in Serie A and Bayer sixth in the Bundesliga. While the visitors have fought back to make it into the European chase, Roma have tailed off after being hit with injuries.

The hosts have failed to win in four, suffering a 2-0 loss to Inter Milan at the weekend. They meet a Leverkusen outfit who have won four of their last five games in Europe, including victories away to Monaco, Ferencvaros and Union Saint-Gilloise.

The visitors have a habit of making quick starts on the road in Europe. They scored within 13 minutes at Monaco in their first knockout game and then followed that up by striking within three minutes in their next two. That’s a nightmare for a defensive side like Roma, who tend to feel games out.

Moussa Diaby has struck the opener in their last two European away trips and the midfielder is their top scorer in both the Champions League and Bundesliga this term. He’s a great anytime scorer selection here, while he’s worth considering to score first.

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