The Europa League Round of 16 is upon us and one of the bigger games will take place on Thursday, March 12, as La Liga’s Sevilla hosts Serie A’s Roma.
Sevilla enter this week in third place in La Liga, but are in tight race to ensure Champions League play next season. The club sit on 47 points and are just two points ahead of Atletico Madrid, who currently occupy the first Europa League spot, and are just five points ahead of Valencia in seventh place who are not currently in any European competition spot for next season. The Europa League and La Liga are the only competitions remaining on Sevilla’s schedule.
Roma enter the week in fifth place in Serie A and are currently occupying the first Europa League spot. AS Roma sit three points back, and have played one more game, than fourth place Atalanta who currently occupy the final Champions League spot. The Europa League and Serie A are the only competitions remaining on Roma’s schedule.
Below is my pick for the Europa League action between Sevilla and AS Roma. All odds are from William Hill Sportsbook.
Sevilla (+100) vs AS Roma (+280) Draw (+240)
Sevilla had a big top of the table clash with Atletico Madrid, this past weekend, and came away with a 2-2 road draw. It was a big point for Sevilla as they are currently trying to hold off five teams and keep their Champions League spot for next season. Sevilla are now unbeaten in six straight games, but have only been able to win two games during that span. Sevilla are a bottom half of the table home team this season as they have just 23 points from 13 home games this season.
Roma has had a week off thanks to the scheduling getting moved around due to the coronavirus, but will be high on confidence after a nice 4-3 road win over Cagliari the last time they played. Cagliari got out to a 1-0 lead in the 28th minute, but three straight goals by Roma put this one away. AS Roma are now unbeaten in four straight games and have come away with three wins during that span. Roma are the fifth best road club in Italy thanks to winning 24 points from 13 road fixtures.
Series History: These two clubs have faced each other in two club friendlies with both teams coming away with a win at home.
Game Prediction: I think Sevilla +100 get the win at home and take a nice advantage with them back to Italy.
2020 Results: 30-22