On Thursday night, Real Sociedad hosts Roma at the Reale Arena in the Europa League last-16 second leg. The first leg in Rome finished 2-0 for the Italian team.
Real Sociedad form guideLa Real’s form has fallen off a cliff in recent weeks as the side from San Sebastian heads into this clash on the back of just one win in their previous nine matches. That poor run includes a five-game winless run.
Real Sociedad have now suffered back-to-back defeats in the Europa League, having recorded five straight wins before the double loss.
Imanol’s team also has a mixed recent home record in the competition, as they have won three and lost two of their last five games at the Reale Arena in the Europa League.
Roma form guideThe Giallorossi suffered an extraordinary 4-3 home defeat by Sassuolo last time out, a defeat that came after two straight wins for Jose Mourinho’s team. The loss certainly hasn’t aided their bid for a top-four finish this season.
Roma has a strong recent home record in the Europa League, winning four of their previous five games in the competition and scoring at least two goals in each of the wins.
Despite their excellent general record in the Europa League, the Giallorossi have been poor on their travels in the competition, winning just one of their last five matches while suffering three defeats in the run.
Latest team newsReal Sociedad is once again expected to be without Aritz Elustondo, Martin Merquelanz and Umar Sadiq through various injuries. Roma looks set to be without Andrea Belotti, Ola Solbakken, Diego Llorente, Ebrima Darboe and Lorenzo Pellegrini due to injuries.
What am I backing?The home team is low on confidence, but Roma doesn’t travel well in the Europa League. I am backing this clash to end in a low-scoring draw.