Roma vs Athletic Club Prediction, Preview, Lineups and Team News | Europa League, September 26, 2024

Preview

• Date: Thursday, September 26
• Kick-off Time: 7:00 pm GMT
• Venue: Stadio Olimpico, Rome, Italy

The first matchday of the new UEFA Europa League campaign will include Roma hosting Spanish giants, Athletic Club. Roma vs Athletic Club will involve two of the most potent and talented sides from their respective nations. The Europa League is entering a new era with a revamped format, involving a comprehensive league stage followed by the traditional knockout rounds. The hosts were drawn from pot 1 while Athletic Club was a part of pot 4.

Roma finally secured its first win of the season on the weekend against Udinese. I Giallorossi had endured a grueling start on the back of three draws and a defeat in the opening four Serie A matches. Club legend, Daniele De Rossi was relieved of his duties as the head coach. Ivan Juric has taken over as the manager and has been able to deliver an immediate impact. The capital club dealt with Udinese rather comfortably on Sunday, with several key players getting back to form. Roma’s best run in the Europa League was reaching the final in 2023.

Athletic Club’s recent form has been a decent and encouraging one. In the last six games, the Basque club has managed four victories and two losses against FC Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. Ernesto Valverde’s men are currently third in the La Liga table, behind only Barcelona and Real Madrid. Supporters will be hoping for a change in the fortunes of their beloved side in European competitions, with Bilbao’s best display only being finishing as runners-up twice.

Roma Team News

Summer signings, Mats Hummels and Mario Hermoso did not feature from the start against Udinese. The pair is expected to be named in the starting XI by Juric on Thursday. Alexis Saelemaekers and Enzo Le Fee will miss the encounter due to an ankle and muscle injury respectively.

Athletic Club Team News

For the visitors, Nico Williams, Unai Simon, Yeray Alvarez, and Yuri Berchiche are ruled out owing to respective injury woes. Ernesto Valverde likes to line his XI in a classic 4-2-3-1 shape which will once again be the case against the Italian opponents. Nico Williams’ absence will be a big influence on the visitors’ chances.

Roma vs Athletic Club Predicted Lineups

Roma Predicted Lineup (3-4-2-1)

Goalkeeper: Svilar

Defenders: Hummels, Hermoso, Angelino

Midfielders: Celik, Pisilli, Cristante, El Shaarawy

Forwards: Dybala, Pellegrini, Dovbyk

Athletic Club Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Padilla

Defenders: De Marcos, Vivian, Paredes, Boiro

Midfielders: Jauregizar, Prados, Sancet

Forwards: I. Williams, Berenguer, Guruzeta

Roma vs Athletic Club H2H Record

Roma and Athletic Club have squared up only once in the past, in a friendly encounter which ended 2-2.

Key Players to Watch in Roma vs Athletic Club

Paulo Dybala (Roma)

The 30-year-old opened his account for the season against Udinese with a goal from the penalty spot. Paulo Dybala had his share of struggles under Daniele De Rossi but has seemingly won the trust of Ivan Juric. The Croatian coach is expected to continue deploying Paulo Dybala in a number 10 role along with Lorenzo Pellegrini. His close control and unparalleled dribbling prowess make him the ideal fit for that position. The Argentine maestro will be looking forward to adding to his 25 European goals on Thursday against Athletic Club.

Artem Dovbyk (Roma)

Artem Dovbyk was brought in by Roma bosses this summer as one of the most potent and clinical strikers in Europe. Dovbyk won the La Liga Pichichi trophy last season and has already been entrusted as the primary target man in the Roma XI. Following a slow start and three goalless displays, the 27-year-old has been able to grab a goal each in the last two Serie A matches. His ability to hold the ball and pin the centre-backs will be the key to Roma’s chances of a victory.

Roma vs Athletic Club Prediction

There is little to separate between the two clubs on paper. The visitors are in a better run of form currently while the hosts can argue that they have the better share of match winners on the day. The final result can very well come out to be the outcome of a loss of focus or a mistake. An entertaining draw with goals from both sides is on the cards on Thursday evening.

Predicted Score: Roma 2-2 Athletic Club (Watch Live)

Where to watch Roma vs Athletic Club Live?