AS Roma vs Ath Bilbao Prediction 26 Sep 2024

⚽ Europa League - League phase - Round 1 Preview

📅 26 Sep 2024

⏰ 20:00 GMT +1

🏟 Stadio Olimpico (Rome)

Newly appointed manager Ivan Jurić has given Roma the boost they needed, securing a 3-0 win over Udinese in his debut match. This victory marked their first win of the season (W1, D3, L1) and provided a timely boost ahead of their opening UEFA Europa League (UEL) fixture against Athletic Bilbao. Roma have enjoyed European success in recent years, winning the UEFA Europa Conference League in 2022, finishing runners-up in the UEL in 2023, and reaching the semi-finals last season. They have won seven of their last nine home group-stage matches (D1, L1), though their only defeat came at the hands of Spanish side Real Betis.

Athletic Bilbao, after a slow start to the season (D1, L1), have found their rhythm, winning four of their last five matches (L1) and netting eight goals in their last three games. This will be Athletic’s first European match since their 2017/18 UEL campaign, where they topped their group before being eliminated in the last 16. Despite struggling historically in Italy, with only one win from nine visits (D3, L5), they arrive in Rome with renewed confidence after securing four victories in their last six away games, including back-to-back away wins in September.

Where to watch AS Roma vs Ath Bilbao?

📺 Link to watch AS Roma vs Ath Bilbao Live Stream on TV

📋Players to watch:

• Artem Dovbyk (Roma): The Ukrainian striker has been in fine form, scoring the opening goal in back-to-back matches for Roma. He’ll be keen to continue his scoring run in Europe.
• Gorka Guruzeta (Athletic Bilbao): After netting a brace in his last outing, Guruzeta has scored his last six goals in the first half, making him a dangerous early threat.

⚡️Match Facts:

• Roma have won seven of their last nine home group-stage matches in European competition.
• Athletic Bilbao have scored before halftime in five of their last seven games.
• Roma lost just one home group match in the last three seasons, against Spanish side Real Betis.

💡 AS Roma vs Ath Bilbao Prediction

Roma's European experience and recent managerial change should give them the edge over Athletic Bilbao, who are returning to European competition after several years. Expect Roma to control the game and win 2-1, with Athletic likely to score but unable to overcome Roma's home dominance.

AS Roma vs Ath Bilbao Betting Tips

• Roma to win
• Both teams to score
• Over 2.5 goals