Gent vs Roma Prediction & Betting Tips - Europa League

Prediction published on 24/02/2020, 11:21  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 26/02/2020 at 18:39 in Europa League Predictions

AS Roma travel to Gent for their Round of 32 second-leg tie in the Europa League on Thursday. The Italian side established a 1-0 advantage at the Stadio Olimpico last week. That lead looked as slim as it sounds, Gent recovering from a poor first half to threaten the hosts on numerous occasions after the break. They welcome their opponents to Belgium encouraged by the fact that they have yet to lose a game at home this season. Visitors should be wary of a team that finished top of their Europa League group; a team that has a habit of scoring late goals (they have scored eight times in their last eight games in the final 17 minutes of matches). Striker Laurent Depoitre has scored four goals in this season's competition and is sure to be a handful for Roma's defence.

Boasting a backline that includes on-loan Manchester United defender Chris Smalling, Roma had looked porous in the build-up to the first leg. Six matches passed without registering a clean sheet before they held out Gent. A lack of clean sheets hasn't prevented Smalling from being heaped with praise. He's bolstered the backline and even contributes to attacking efforts. Another loan signing, Carles Perez of Barcelona, got the only goal of the previous clash. It was an impressive UEL debut from the 22-year-old. Another display of quality will be required for the reverse fixture for a Roma side that failed to win two of their three away matches in the group stage. Three successive defeats on the road in all competitions add to the belief that Roma could fall victim to a turnaround. Backing the home side in a draw no bet wager seems like a sensible selection.