Tottenham has placed significant focus on their Europa League campaign this season and currently sits in 7th place in their group with 9 points.
They began their group-stage matches with impressive victories: 3-0 over Qarabag, 2-1 against Ferencvaros, and 1-0 against Alkmaar. However, they recently faced a setback, losing 3-2 to Galatasaray.
In the Premier League, Tottenham is aiming to break into the top four but has struggled with consistency, currently in 10th place. Before the international break, they secured 2 home wins but suffered 3 away losses. Their next challenge will be a tough match against Manchester City.
Roma, on the other hand, has been having a difficult time both in the Europa League and Serie A. In the Europa League, they sit at the bottom of their group with just one win, a narrow 1-0 victory over Dynamo Kyiv. They have drawn 1-1 with both Union Saint-Gilloise and Bilbao and lost 1-0 to Elfsborg.
Domestically, Roma’s performance has also been disappointing, with two managerial changes already this season. Before the international break, they lost four of their last five matches and recently appointed Claudio Ranieri as their new head coach. Their next Serie A match is against Napoli.
Tottenham will be missing several key players due to injury, including defender Van de Ven, winger Odobert, and striker Richarlison. Additionally, young talent Lankshear, who scored in the last match, is suspended.
However, forwards Johnson and Solanke, both with 2 goals in the Europa League, will be available, as well as midfielder Sarr. Captain Son and winger Werner are also in contention for a starting spot.
Roma will be without defender Hermoso, winger Saelemaekers, and substitute striker Shomurodov, all due to injury. Ukrainian international Dovbyk, who came off the bench in the last Europa League match, could start this time, alongside star player Dybala.
In midfield, French international Manu Koné is likely to feature after impressing during the break. Ranieri is also hopeful that captain Pellegrini, who has struggled this season, will regain his form.
Prediction
Tottenham has been strong at home in the Europa League, accumulating 19 points from a possible 21. In contrast, Roma has struggled on the road, losing 4 out of 7 away matches, which has hindered their position in the group.
Prediction: Tottenham 2 – 1 AS Roma.
