Will the history repeat itself? Roma knocked Barça out of the Champions League after a big loss in the first leg. They now need to do the same against Liverpool, after the Reds beat them 5:2 in England. So, can Roma get to the final? Well, maybe you’ll find the right answer in this Roma vs. Liverpool match preview!
Roma
The fact that they beat Barcelona 3:0 three weeks ago is what gives Roma fans a lot of confidence before the game against Liverpool. In order to advance to the final, they need a big win against the Reds. They need to score at least three goals on Wednesday evening!
It seems that Roma are currently in a good attacking form. This team scored nine goals in the last three rounds. The stats are even more impressive when it comes to their form at the Olimpico, which is their home ground. This is the place where they have won their previous four Champions League games. Furthermore, the last time they lost a home game in this competition was back in 2016.
Edin Dzeko has been their most prolific scorer, with 16 goals to his name. The great news is that he scored 12 of those in the second half of the 2017/2018 season, meaning that the striker is currently in an awesome form.
Of course, Dzeko isn’t the only in-form player in Roma. El Shaarawy, Nainggolan, Under, and of course, Roma captain, De Rossi, have also been tremendous lately.
Liverpool
Liverpool had one of their best performances of the season last week at the Anfield. At least, up until the last 10 minutes of the game, when Roma scored twice. But, even this result is impressive. The score 5:2 in a semifinal of the Champions League is definitely something to brag about. All that’s left is to go out on the Wednesday evening and seal the deal.
What worries their fans is the so-called game management, which is something Liverpool aren’t particularly good at. This team prefers attacking the whole game, rather than controlling it. This makes their supporters feel a slight discomfort ahead of the clash in Rome, as such playing philosophy is usually followed by a few goals in their own net.
However, even if Liverpool allow three or so goals, it doesn’t mean they won’t score. With Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, and Sadio Mane, it seems almost impossible for this team not to score.
Team News
Roma absentees:
- Diego Perotti (injury)
- Rick Karsdorp (injury)
- Gregoire Defrel (injury)
- Kevin Strootman (doubtful)
Liverpool absentees:
- Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (injury)
- Joel Matip (injury)
- Adam Lallana (injury)
- Emre Can (injury)
Possible Lineups
Roma:
Alisson – Fazio, Manolas, Florenzi, Kolarov – De Rossi, Nainggolan, Pellegrini – El Sharaawi, Under, Dzeko
Liverpool:
Karius – Van Dijk, Lovren, Alexander-Arnold, Robertson – Henderson, Milner, Wijnaldum – Mane, Salah, Firmino
Roma vs. Liverpool Match Prediction
I have no doubt that Roma will go super-offensively in this game, trying to score as many goals as possible in the first half. But, how will Liverpool react? Well, I doubt they’re gonna let Roma dictate the tempo. Instead, I think Liverpool will try to get the job done by scoring a couple of goals right away. That said, all of my betting tips are goals-related.
Roma vs. Liverpool Betting Tips
- BTS @1.36 (bet365)
- Over 2.5 Goals @1.36 (bet365)
- Over 3.5 Goals @2.00 (Unibet)
- Over 1.5 Goals in the First Half @2.00 (bet365)
