Europa League: Tottenham Plan to Get Back on Track

Tottenham Hotspur vs AS Roma

Tottenham are looking to return to winning ways here in the Europa League when they host a struggling AS Roma squad in North London on Thursday.

After notching three consecutive wins against Qarabag FK, Ferencvaros, and AZ Alkmaar, the Spurs suffered a 3-2 loss against Galatasaray.

However, after losing 2-1 to Ipswich Town two weeks ago, Ange Postecoglou’s side destroyed Manchester City 4-0 last time out, so they are confident ahead of Thursday.

Meanwhile, AS Roma have had a shaky start both in the Europa League and Serie A.

With only one win after the first four matchdays, the Giallorossi are the 20^th seed with only five points, and they’re coming off their third consecutive league loss.

Given their recent forms, the pre-game SBOTOP betting odds predict a win for the hosts, which should motivate the visitors to gun for an upset.

 

Talking points

Tottenham suffer huge injury blow

Just when you thought that Tottenham were back at full strength, the injury bug has hit them hard again.

The most recent injury casualty for the Spurs is their first-choice goalkeeper, Guglielmo Vicario, as the Italian sustained an ankle injury that needs surgery. According to reports, Vicario is ruled out for at least eight weeks.

To his credit, Guglielmo Vicario completed the full 90 minutes against Manchester City, but now he will face a long spell on the sidelines.

With Vicario out indefinitely, Fraser Forster will start between the sticks, as he has for two of Spurs’ Europa League matches this season.

Will Lankshear will have to serve his suspension after he was sent off against Galatasaray. Cristian Romero (toe and hamstring) and Micky van de Ven (hamstring) are doubtful to play on Thursday.

If Romero and van de Ven ultimately sit out, Ben Davies and Radu Dragusin should continue to start at centre-half to cover Fraser Forster.

Rodrigo Bentancur will almost certainly start to ensure he stays fit amid his seven-game suspension on the domestic front.

Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall will hope to start, especially if Ange Postecoglou decides to rotate his lineup.

 

AS Roma’s overlooked stars aim to make a statement under Ranieri’s reign

The arrival of Claudio Ranieri could mean a fresh start for some of AS Roma’s stars like Paulo Dybala, Mats Hummels, and Alexis Saelemaekers.

Paulo Dybala already has two goals in 10 games, but his inconsistency and nagging injuries have marred his 2024-25 campaign thus far.

Mats Hummels has only played once this season, coming off the bench in Ranieri’s first game in charge (vs. Napoli). Alexis Saelemaekers is hoping to be called up for the first time since September.

Lorenzo Pellegrini could also use some positive reinforcement from Claudio Ranieri, as the team captain continues to struggle with his performances, putting him at risk of losing his place in the starting XI.

 

History

Thursday marks the first-ever meeting between Tottenham and AS Roma.

The Spurs have lost just one of their 10 home games against Italian sides in all competitions (W5, D4), with the only loss being a 2-1 result against Juventus in March 2018.

The Giallorossi have won just one of their 23 away games against English sides in all competitions (D8, L14). AS Roma are also winless in 15 since a 1-0 victory against Liverpool at Anfield in February 2001.

Tottenham have won their last seven Europa League matches in North London without conceding a single goal while scoring 19 goals on the other side of the pitch.

AS Roma have one European trophy in their cabinet after winning the 2021-22 Conference League under Jose Mourinho.

Tottenham, meanwhile, have one UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup trophy in 1962-63, but they haven’t won anything of significance since 2008.

 

Betting Tip

The Europa League 2024 odds are in favour of the Spurs winning on Thursday evening. Tottenham are 1.68 favourites, while AS Roma are not that far behind at 3.75 in the 1X2 market, and a draw is at 3.82.

Because the game is in North London and the hosts are in good form, we’re backing Ange Postecoglou’s men to secure their fourth Europa League win in the league phase.

Tottenham will likely win this game by outscoring AS Roma and create new Europa League 2024 highlights on Thursday.

So, besides our recommended bet above, bettors can also go for options like Over 3.00 at 1.68, Over 3.25 at 1.94, or even Total Goal 4-6 at 2.41, with Total Goal 2-3 at 2.23 being the more conservative option.

   

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