Roma play a very important Europa League game against Braga at the Stadio Olimpico as both teams battle to secure playoff spots with just three games remaining. Claudio Ranieri’s side has struggled to live up to their expectations managing only six points from five matches. However a resilient 2-2 draw against Tottenham in their last European outing showed resilience. Braga enter today’s match slightly ahead of Roma on the table, domestically they sit fifth, eight points away from an UEFA spot.
Domestically, Roma have been very inconsistent but a 4-1 victory over Lecce last weekend ended a streak of poor results and marked Ranieri’s first win in his latest tenure as head coach. With a strong home record in the Europa League with eight wins in their last ten group/league stage games at home, they will aim to keep that good run of form alive. with veterans like Paulo Dybala and Mats Hummels possibly rested. Captain Lorenzo Pellegrini and Mario Hermoso are expected to step into the starting lineup, while Eldor Shomurodov could lead the attack in place of the injured Artem Dovbyk.
Braga are 18th which keeps them just in the race for a top eight finish and automatic qualification to the last 16, trailing by just three points. A crucial 3-1 win over Hoffenheim last month supported by goals from Bruma, Roger Fernandes and Vitor Carvalho. However Carlos Carvalhal’s men have struggled for consistency with them recently letting a two goal lead slip in a 2-2 draw with Estoril. Despite their inconsistent domestic form Braga will hope to overcome their poor record against Roma having lost both prior Europa League round of 32 meetings in the 2020-21 season.
Roma will probably rotate their squad with veterans like Paulo Dybala and Mats Hummels possibly being rested. Captain Lorenzo Pellegrini and Mario Hermoso are expected to step into the starting lineup while Eldor Shomurodov could lead the attack in place of the injured Artem Dovbyk.
Injuries to Paulo Oliveira and Rodrigo Zalazar leave Carvalhal with limited options but Bruma’s strong form in Europe with three goals and multiple assists offers hope for success against a Roma side they have failed to beat in two prior meetings.
Roma possible lineup: Svilar; Mancini, Hermoso, Ndicka; Abdulhmaid, Le Fee, Paredes, Zalewski; Pellegrini, Pisilli; Shomurodov
Braga possible lineup: Matheus; Ferreira, Niakate, Arrey-Mbi; Fernandes, Carvalho, Moutinho, Gomez; Horta, Bruma; Ouazzani
