Europe - Europa League
New customers only | Commercial content | 21+ age limit | T&Cs apply
Roma vs Athletic Bilbao Prediction & Picks - Europa League
by Stephen Abiola in Soccer Picks
AS Roma and Athletic Club will lock horns in round 1 of the UEFA Europa Round of 16 on Thursday night at Stadio Olimpico. This will only be the second meeting between these two sides. Roma and Bilbao met in the group stage of this season's completion, where they shared the spoils 1-1. They all enjoyed a solid group stage campaign, with Roma finishing 15th with 12 points from eight matches. Claudio Ranieri's side then landed a tough playoff fixture against the Portuguese giant FC Porto. They secured a hard-fought 4-3 victory on aggregate to book a date with Athletic Club. Bilbao is considered by many as one of the favorites to lift this cup after a stellar group stage campaign. The Basque outfit was second in the Europa League standings with 19 points, similar to leaders Lazio. They lost only once throughout the campaign and won six of their assignments. Rival teams should be worried if they can get past AS Roma in this two-legged series.
Limited Offer. Currently at FanDuel
Roma vs Athletic Bilbao Form
Roma and Athletic Bilbao Latest Matches
5/6 (83%)
1/6 (17%)
0/6 (0%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Mar 2, 2025 - Serie A
Feb 24, 2025 - Serie A
Feb 20, 2025 - Europa League
Feb 16, 2025 - Serie A
Feb 13, 2025 - Europa League
Feb 9, 2025 - Serie A
5/6 (83%)
1/6 (17%)
0/6 (0%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Mar 2, 2025 - Serie A
Feb 24, 2025 - Serie A
Feb 20, 2025 - Europa League
Feb 2, 2025 - Serie A
Jan 30, 2025 - Europa League
Jan 17, 2025 - Serie A
3/6 (50%)
1/6 (17%)
2/6 (33%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Feb 16, 2025 - Serie A
Feb 13, 2025 - Europa League
Feb 9, 2025 - Serie A
Feb 5, 2025 - Coppa Italia
Jan 26, 2025 - Serie A
Jan 23, 2025 - Europa League
3/6 (50%)
2/6 (33%)
1/6 (17%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Mar 1, 2025 - LaLiga
Feb 23, 2025 - LaLiga
Feb 16, 2025 - LaLiga
Feb 8, 2025 - LaLiga
Feb 2, 2025 - LaLiga
Jan 30, 2025 - Europa League
3/6 (50%)
1/6 (17%)
2/6 (33%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Feb 23, 2025 - LaLiga
Feb 8, 2025 - LaLiga
Jan 30, 2025 - Europa League
Jan 26, 2025 - LaLiga
Jan 16, 2025 - Copa del Rey
Jan 8, 2025 - Super Cup
1/6 (17%)
3/6 (50%)
2/6 (33%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Mar 1, 2025 - LaLiga
Feb 16, 2025 - LaLiga
Feb 2, 2025 - LaLiga
Jan 22, 2025 - Europa League
Jan 19, 2025 - LaLiga
Jan 4, 2025 - Copa del Rey
Roma against Athletic Bilbao : Head to Head (H2H)
Sep 26, 2024 - Europa League
Roma - Athletic Bilbao: Form Analysis
Roma has played excellent football lately, especially after appointing Claudio Ranieri as their manager late last year. They have been rampant in their domestic league, winning their previous four matches. They dismantled Monza 4-0 on Monday last week with a 2-1 win over Como. Impressively, that's their third straight home victory.
Roma has been decent in attack in the Europa League, scoring 14 goals, which is an average of 1.4 goals per game.
Bilbao, on the other hand, avoided the playoffs of this competition after putting up exceptional performances. They finished the group stage phase with 15 goals, which is an average of 1.88 goals per game. Ernesto Valverde's men are also good at preventing their opponents from scoring, giving up an average of 0.88 goals so far in Europe. They are also doing quite well back home, sitting in fourth spot with 48 points, only 9 behind the table-topping Barcelona. Again, their defense has done a good job, conceding only 23 goals, the second fewest in the league.
Limited Offer. Currently at FanDuel
Athletic Bilbao v Roma last Lineups
Formation : 3 - 4 - 2 - 1
Formation : 4 - 2 - 3 - 1
Missing players
A. Dovbyk
O. Sancet
ForwardA. Djalo
Roma & Athletic Bilbao Squad Analysis
AS Roma's squad has an excellent blend of youthful energy and seasoned professionals who can do the job when needed. Aldor Shomurodov will lead the attack, with the 29-year-old scoring once in six Europa League games. Paulo Dybala will take the right wing, with the seasoned Argentinean notching 2 goals in his nine Europa League appearances this season. Claudio Ranieri can also depend on Atem Dovbyk to produce clutch moments from the bench after scoring the winner against Como last weekend.
Atem Dovbyk already has 2 goals in nine European games this season.
Bilbao, meanwhile, could hand Unai Simon only his second start in the Europa League this season. The Spanish goalie brings a safe pair of hands at this crucial stage of the competition. However, their attack is where they can be the most dangerous. Inaki Williams will hope to continue his European exploits after bagging 4 goals in eight games. His younger brother, Nico Williams, also provides an excellent goal threat from the wings, scoring twice in eight Europa League games this season. They should field a strong squad in a bid to get a crucial away win.
Most goals and assists
Roma
Athletic Bilbao
A. Dovbyk
(11 Goals)
O. Sancet
(14 Goals)
P. Dybala
(4 Assists)
I. Williams
(10 Assists)
Roma and Athletic Bilbao Stats in Europa League
Roma - Athletic Bilbao Key Points
- Bilbao won six of their previous seven Europa League games.
- Roma won 10 of their last 11 home games.
- Roma won five of their last six matches.
- Bilbao lost only once in the last seven games.
Limited Offer. Currently at FanDuel
Our Roma vs Athletic Bilbao Prediction
These teams are well-stocked with talent and capable of nullifying each other's threats on Thursday night. However, the Giallorossi have the crucial home advantage, and we don't see them losing this one. The worst result they can get is a draw before the crucial return leg in Spain next week. Still, they must be careful with Bilbao's potent attackers, who will be hoping to score a goal or two to help their side get a vital away win. All said, we don't expect either side to play a defensive-minded game on Thursday night. A goal-laden match could be in the offing. Our prediction for AS Roma vs Athletic Bilbao: Both teams to score.
Roma vs Athletic Bilbao - Other Interesting Picks
Over 2.5 goals at full-time
Athletic Bilbao will not go to Italy looking to play for a draw. Likewise, AS Roma will want to head into the second leg with a crucial home win advantage. This means both teams could go for an all-out attack. We, therefore, make a secondary prediction of over 2.5 goals at full-time. Remember, over 2.5 cashed in three of the last four AS Roma games.
Grab an extra $150 for your Roma vs Athletic Bilbao wager!
Get ready to experience the thrill of the game with FanDuel's exciting welcome offer, available for use on the Roma vs Athletic Bilbao matchup!
A minimum bet of $5 will qualify for $150 in bonus bets if your bet wins! This offer is a golden opportunity for new users. Don't miss out on this limited-time deal to enhance your sports betting experience with some extra oomph! Jump into the action today and let FanDuel take your sports engagement to the next level!
All tips are fully researched and given in good faith, but profits cannot be guaranteed.
Limited Offer. Currently at FanDuel
