In view of the return leg of the Europa League Round of 16, in a San Mames that promises to be hotter than ever, Roma is starting again from the gift acquired thanks to Shomurodov's goal in injury time that was worth the narrow victory in the first leg against Athletic Bilbao and which therefore gives a small but very important advantage to the Giallorossi in view of the return match. In a preliminary round that already on the eve seemed among the most balanced, the first round confirmed the hypotheses and leaves everything open in terms of qualification even if it will be the Basque team that will have the burden of trying to win, a situation that, at home, comes rather naturally to them. In fact, there are very few internal slip-ups that Athletic Bilbao have had so far this season, therefore, Roma knew and knows that Thursday night's match could be a game of great suffering. Ranieri, who will have to give up Celik, brings with him some doubts about the formation, mainly linked to the use of Dybala while Valverde will not have one of the senators, the central defender Alvarez, sent off at the Olimpico but will be able to count on all his aces up front for the comeback attempt in a match that, even if it is "only" that of a Round of 16, is leaving many clues that it can be fought, struggled and longed for like few others. The prospect of playing the Europa League final at home is an incredible stimulus for the Spaniards but in front of them will be a Roma, who from match to match is acquiring awareness and strength both in individuals and in the group.

Athletic Bilbao's Shape and Key Stats

The recent breakdown of 1 win, 2 draws and 2 losses does not inspire any particular optimism, but Athletic Bilbao's home record, which has seen Valverde's team win 3 of their last 4 games, including a peremptory 7-1 over Valladolid, does.

In the Spanish League, the Basques are where they want to be, in fourth place, and at home, they have lost only once, against Atletico Madrid.

Returning to the Europa League, Athletic Bilbao have won all of their last 4 games played at San Mames.

Roma's Shape and Key Stats

The narrow victory at Empoli still fuels some hope of reaching an incredible fourth place and represents the sixth consecutive victory.

Claudio Ranieri's team, who would only need a draw to advance to the next round, has lost only 1 of their last 9 Europa League matches.

If Roma give their best at the Olimpico, the Giallorossi can still boast an external defense that, in the last 4 seasonal outings, has conceded only 1 goal.

Athletic Bilbao – Roma Prediction and Tactical Analysis

In the first leg, Roma was generally preferred, they shot much more on goal and created more dangers. Now, however, the game is in Bilbao and the balance of power can change especially in the approach and in the hottest phases of the challenge which, due to tension, anticipation and balance, could also be less spectacular and more competitive. Neither team will want to risk initially, Roma because they are not forced to do so, Athletic Bilbao because they are not in a desperate situation anyway and because they know they always have the “resource” of the home field advantage. The BetMines algorithm prediction, therefore, indicates with greater probability a match that will not have too many goals, at most two in total.

• The BetMines algorithm prediction for the Athletic Bilbao – Roma match predicts an Over 2.5 goals at 47%
• The BetMines algorithm prediction for the Athletic Bilbao – Roma match predicts an Under 2.5 goals at 53%

Athletic Bilbao – Roma Predicted Lineups

Athletic Bilbao (4-2-3-1): Agirrezabala; De Marcos, Nunez, Paredes, Yuri; Jauregizar, Prados; Inaki Williams, Sancet, Niko Williams; Sannadi. Coach: Valverde.

Roma (3-5-2): Svilar; Hummels, Mancini, Ndicka; Saelemaekers, Pisilli, Cristante, Pellegrini, Angelino; Dybala, Dovbyk. Coach: Ranieri