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What should normally be an accessible matchup for Roma might turn into a tricky tie due to the poor current form the Giallorossi are in. Feyenoord will be keen to take advantage, but obviously they need their ‘A game’ and more if they are to get a result at Olimpico.
Roma just can’t find a way to finish off games lately, drawing in 5 of their last 6 Serie A matches and losing in the Cup to Fiorentina. Roma was not even able to defeat last placed Parma at home over the weekend, a match that resulted in a 0-0 draw – they are able to keep possession but do not take responsibilities in front of goal and usually make a big mistake per game that leads to an opposing goal. The Giallorossi are obviously in a bad spot at the moment and most likely the Europa League is their only chance for silverware. We should not dramatize too much though, as Roma remains a really good side and they had their share of bad luck recently, they are not playing horrible.
Feyenoord is on the back of a 2-0 loss at Heracles, their 2nd loss in 3 games in Eredivisie. The visitors are not in their best form right now and are involved in a dogfight for the 3rd position in the Netherlands behind PSV and Ajax. Feyenoord lost 2 out of 3 away games in the Europa League group stage but the only win came at the right time, a massive 3-0 result in Liege to book the first place in the group – though that did not get them an easy opponent apparently.
Bet on AS Roma vs. Feyenoord with top Europa League football odds at William Hill.
Team news & lineups:
Roma continues to struggle with injuries and will not be able to count on Strootman, Balzaretti, Castan, Ibarbo and Iturbe, while Totti and Maicon are slightly doubtful – but should be in the lineup. Roma does have Gervinho back and that will be a huge boost in a struggling offense, they badly missed him while he was with Ivory Coast at the ACN. Feyenoord only misses Manu, but Boulahrouz and Wilkshire are heavy doubts, especially Boulahrouz.
Roma: De Sanctis – Maicon, Manolas, Yanga-Mbiwa, Holebas – Pjanic, De Rossi, Nainggolan – Ljajic, Totti, Gervinho
Feyenoord: Vermeer – Wilkshire, Beek, Kongolo, Nelom – Clasie, Ahmadi – Toornstra, Immers, Boetius – Kazim Kazim
I reckon this match comes at the right time for Roma, though it may seem like a paradox. The reason is that Roma will be happy to escape the Italian tactical rigor for a change, and meeting a Dutch opponent might be just what the doctor ordered. As I said Roma is not playing that bad, they are motivated for the Europa League and will relish the more open-spaced approached of Feyenoord – even if the visitors are a good defensive team in Eredivisie, they can not compare themselves with the tactical insanity from the Serie A. My tip is Roma to win – max stakes but no handicaps, as Roma is not the type of team to blow you out and Feyenoord is not a bad side, but the hosts should be able to get a rather comfortable winning result despite their shaky late form. Prediction: AS Roma – Feyenoord 2-0.
Pick: AS Roma
Odds: 1.55 @ William Hill
Stake: 10
Possible profit: 5.5
Event date: 19 December
