Union SG will host Roma at Stade Roi Baudouin on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at 5:45 PM UK time in a pivotal Europa League clash. Both teams are struggling in the competition, with Roma securing only one win in Europe this season and Union SG earning just a single point from three matches. This game presents a crucial opportunity for both teams to climb the standings.
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Match Significance
Roma, currently under pressure in Serie A, come into this game after a hard-fought 3-2 loss to Hellas Verona in the league, adding to a turbulent period on and off the pitch. With fans growing restless, manager Ivan Juric has little room for error. A recent 1-0 victory over Dynamo Kyiv did momentarily improve morale, but Juric’s position remains precarious. Sitting 19th in the Europa League table, Roma need a win to improve their European standing.
Union SG, meanwhile, find themselves in even greater need, as a 1-0 defeat to Midtjylland in their previous Europa League match left them near the bottom of the group. Having yet to taste victory in the league phase, Union SG have struggled to convert chances and have drawn and lost their last two matches in the Belgian Pro League.
Team Analysis
Union SG
Union SG are turning to ex-Everton forward Kevin Mirallas to spark their attack. The Belgian side will be without Alessio Castro-Montes and Sofiane Boufal due to injury, but the return of defender Ross Sykes adds stability at the back. Union’s lineup will likely feature Franjo Ivanovic and Kevin Rodriguez up front, with Loic Lapoussin providing support.
Key Players: Franjo Ivanovic’s clinical finishing and Loic Lapoussin’s creative influence will be crucial if Union are to challenge Roma. Ross Sykes will play a pivotal role in ensuring defensive stability.
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Roma
Following their recent defeat, Juric is likely to make changes to the lineup. Top scorer Artem Dovbyk is expected to be rested, giving Eldor Shomurodov a chance to lead the attack. Stephan El Shaarawy could replace Nicola Zalewski on the wing, while Bryan Cristante may return to midfield to bring composure to Roma’s play.
Key Players: Eldor Shomurodov will be vital in attack, while Bryan Cristante’s experience and ball control in midfield will be essential. Veteran Mats Hummels, if selected, will add leadership to the defensive line.
Predicted Lineups:
Union SG (3-4-1-2): Moris; Sykes, Burgess, Mac Allister; Niang, Amani, Sadiki, Vanhoutte, Lapoussin; Rodriguez, Ivanovic
Roma (3-5-2): Svilar; Mancini, Hummels, Angelino; Abdulhamid, Paredes, Cristante, El Shaarawy; Pisilli, Baldanzi; Shomurodov
Head-to-Head and Form
Union SG and Roma’s previous meetings date back to the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1959 and 1960, where each team secured a win, and two games ended in draws. Roma have never lost to a Belgian team in their last 14 encounters, providing a historical edge, while Union SG’s lack of recent form makes this a challenging fixture for the Belgian side.
Betting Tips and Predictions
Prediction: Union SG 1-2 Roma
Goal.mu/Mauri.bet predicts: Union SG 1-2 Roma.
Justification: Roma’s experience and depth give them a slight advantage, though Union SG’s home support may narrow the gap in a closely contested game.
Both Teams to Score (BTTS): Yes. Both teams have shown weaknesses defensively, making it likely that each will find the net.
Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over 2.5. Given Roma’s defensive struggles, expect a few goals in this encounter.
First Goal Scorer: Eldor Shomurodov. With Dovbyk potentially rested, Shomurodov will be the primary goal threat for Roma.
Hot Stat: Roma are unbeaten in 14 matches against Belgian teams, dating back to the 1970s.
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