Real Sociedad v AS Roma – UEL Betting Preview
Real Sociedad Summary
Real Sociedad has hit a brick wall in recent weeks, winning only once in their last seven league matches.
This is a hugely testing time for the once high-flying Basque club that for a long time until this bad run, was considered the form club in Spain.
Despite the massive drop off in form, there is still reason to be optimistic. They still sit in 4th place in the table and with this second leg being at home, they have a chance to progress and boost their confidence.
The Basques dropped to a 2-0 loss in Rome but with their support behind them and motivation high, they could still save this tie.
The mood is not terrible but naturally there is some concern about the steep decline in form.
The draw at home to Cadiz in the last La Liga game saw arguably their most flat performance at home this campaign. They improved with the 1-1 draw in Mallorca but are determined to win this match.
Looking at team news now for Sociedad, they are definitely missing Umar Sadiq and Martín Merquelanz.
Aritz Elustondo has a small chance to return but unlikely he is risked. He is the only probable important absence. The versatile defender is back in full training.
Roma Summary
Roma got a near-perfect victory in the first leg where they ran out comfortable 2-0 winners against Sociedad.
The morale and confidence at AS Roma are very positive despite a fairly inconsistent season, typified by a dramatic 4-3 loss on the weekend to Sassuolo.
That defeat was a crushing blow to their hopes of solidifying a spot in the Serie A top-four, with AC Milan taking that spot from them with a draw in their game.
Jose Mourhino will now turn his focus onto the UEL, where avoiding a loss in the second leg against Sociedad is the aim.
The UEFA Europa League is a massively important competition for the boss and the club. They will play with good motivation and belief. They can afford to lose by one goal but will play to avoid any type of loss.
Looking at Roma team news now. The long-term absentee Darboe is the only one not available.
There are however a few doubts with Belotti, Llorente, Lo Pellegrini, and Solbakken all carrying knocks.
Betting Analysis
Looking at the 1×2 market first. Roma is @ 3.60 to win, this is an unlikely outcome because they are likely to come out and play for a draw, more specifically a 0-0. The draw is the selection here @ 3.20.
Real Sociedad has looked short on ideas and lacking intensity in recent games even at home, so this is a massive test for them to win. Sociedad is @ 2.20 which I wouldn’t consider for a second based on recent performances.
Moving onto the Asian handicap betting for this contest. Roma +0.25 is @ 2.02 and Sociedad -0.25 is @ 1.85.
Looking at The Under/Over goal betting last of all, where the line is at 2.
The punters are not expecting an open match which makes sense. When Mourhino doesn’t need to win a UEFA knockout game, it’s more likely he plays for an efficient 0-0 draw.
Over is @ 1.85 and Under is @ 1.96.
