AS Roma VS Brighton - Prediction

English club Brighton&Hove Albion have gone through a fairytale journey for the last few seasons. Getting promoted to the English Premier League only in the 2016-2017 season, they have earned massive popularity around the world. The Seagulls did an excellent job last season, finishing the league in 6th. As a result, Brighton have qualified for European football for the very first time in their history. However, Brighton's journey in the UEFA Europa League is going on, and they are now all set to play their first-ever knockout round game in this tournament. They will face off against Italian club AS Roma tonight to play the Round of 16 tie at Stadio Olimpico. Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi is very excited for their first-ever knockout game in the Europa League. "This is a historical game for us, and we have to remember what we did to reach this situation. I speak for the club and the fans – for everyone. It is not a show now, it’s a game and we have to get a good result," De Zerbi said in the press conference. He added, "We know we are playing for the fans and the club and to write the new history of Brighton. I have to repeat words I have said in the past – we feel the possibilities for our city, our club, and our fans. We play to keep this dream in the Europa League alive. I think we are ready. We are in a very tough moment, and we have to push our human values." Anyway, Brighton are having the season they had in the previous year. They have already lost eight games in the English Premier League, standing in 9th with 39 points. AS Roma, on the other hand, are in a good rhythm. They are in 5th with 47 points. The Italian club is all set to secure a win when they host Brighton tonight at Stadio Olimpico.

Stats&Facts

• As Brighton have participated in their first European competition, tonight's game will be their first-ever meeting with Roma.
• AS Roma have some records to forget against English clubs in European competitions. They haven't won any of their last 14 away games against English clubs in European matches.
• Meanwhile, English clubs have a dominating record against Italian clubs in European games. The English teams have progressed from 7 of their last nine knockout stage game against Italian teams.
• AS Roma have an excellent home record in the UEFA Europa League. They have lost only one of their 23 home games in this competition.
• Brighton is the first English team to qualify for the knockout round of the UEFA competitions in their debut season.

Team News

Roma boss Daniele De Rossi has to deal with several injury cases ahead of the match. Defender Rasmus Kristensen got a thigh injury during the match against Monza, while Rick Karsdorp is still in doubt due to a knee problem. Roma will miss the Service of Tammy Abraham due to his ACL injury. Brighton will also miss some key players, including Kaoru Mitoma, Solly March, Jack Hinshelwood, and James Milner. Possible Lineup for Roma: Svilar; Celik, Mancini, Smalling, Angelino; Cristante, Paredes, Pellegrini; Dybala, Lukaku, El Shaarawy Possible Lineup for Brighton: Verbruggen; Lamptey, Van Hecke, Dunk, Estupinan; Gross, Baleba; Adingra, Enciso, Buonanotte; Welbeck

Prediction: Roma 2-1 Brighton

AS Roma are unbeaten in their last five games across all competitions. They have won all their last three games in Serie A. Roma strikers Paulo Dybala and Romelu Lukako are also in their best form. Dybala has already scored 12 goals and registered 7 assists in his 19 appearances in Serie A. Therefore, we expect AS Roma to win tonight's game against Brighton.

Betfair Odds

AS Roma: 2.14 Draw: 3.57 Brighton: 3.42 Visit BFB247 to get real-time Betfair Odds and an exclusive 2.5% commission on winning bets!