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The UEFA Europa League is back in action with a round of semifinal matches this week as AS Roma take on Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen side at the Bay Arena on Thursday. Bayer Leverkusen won the first leg by a comfortable 2-0 scoreline and will look to add to their advantage this week.
AS Roma are in sixth place in the Serie A standings and have been inconsistent over the past year. The Italian outfit held Juventus to a 1-1 draw over the weekend and will look to take it up a notch in this fixture if they have any hope of overturning the first-leg result.
Bayer Leverkusen, on the other hand, have stormed their way to a historic Bundesliga title and have been brilliant over the past year. The German champions thrashed Eintracht Frankfurt by a 5-1 result in their previous game and will look to achieve a similar scoreline this week.
Bayer Leverkusen vs AS Roma Head-to-Head
AS Roma and Bayer Leverkusen are on an even footing as far as the official head-to-head record is concerned and have won two matches apiece out of the eight games played between the two teams on the European stage.
Bayer Leverkusen form guide: W-W-D-D-D
AS Roma form guide: D-L-D-W-L
Bayer Leverkusen vs AS Roma Team News
Bayer Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen have a fully fit squad going into this game. Florian Wirtz and Amine Adli have been sensational and will look to make their mark this week.
Injured: None
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
AS Roma
Paulo Dybala has picked up a niggle over the past week but should be able to recover in time for this clash. Romelu Lukaku and Leandro Paredes have been impressive for the Giallorossi and should feature in this game.
Injured: None
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
Bayer Leverkusen vs AS Roma Predicted XI
Bayer Leverkusen Predicted XI (3-4-3): Matej Kovar; Piero Hincapie, Jonathan Tah, Edmond Tapsoba; Jeremie Frimpong, Alex Grimaldo, Robert Andrich, Granit Xhaka; Florian Wirtz, Amine Adli, Victor Boniface
AS Roma Predicted XI (4-3-3): Mile Svilar; Rick Karsdorp, Gianluca Mancini, Chris Smalling, Leonardo Spinazzola; Leandro Paredes, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Bryan Cristante; Stephan El Sharaawy, Paulo Dybala, Romelu Lukaku
Bayer Leverkusen vs AS Roma Prediction
Bayer Leverkusen have created a legacy under Xabi Alonso and will look to extend their astonishing unbeaten run. Florian Wirtz has been a revelation this season and will aim to make his mark in this fixture.
AS Roma have improved in recent weeks but will be up against a formidable opponent on Thursday. Bayer Leverkusen are the better team and should be able to win this game.
Prediction: Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 AS Roma
