Athletic Bilbao v Roma: Free Tips, Prediction and Odds

Eldor Shomurodov's late goal in last week's Europa League round-of-16 first leg means it is advantage Roma heading into Thursday's return match against Athletic Bilbao at San Mames.

Athletic took the lead at the Stadio Olimpico through Inaki Williams, but Angelino levelled for Roma before Shomurodov's winner that came three minutes into stoppage time and after the visitors had seen defender Yeray Alvarez sent off.

With Roma holding a narrow 2-1 lead in the tie, everything is still to play for ahead of this clash at San Mames, which will also be the venue for the competition's final in May.

Athletic Bilbao v Roma free betting tips and predictions

Double Chance - Draw or Roma - 10/11

Athletic Bilbao are enjoying a strong season, as they sit fourth in La Liga and appear to be closing in on UEFA Champions League qualification, while they booked their place in the last 16 of this competition by finishing second in the league phase.

As usually proves to be the case, Ernesto Valverde's side have made San Mames something of a fortress, as only Madrid giants Real and Atletico have a better home record in La Liga this season and they are a perfect four wins from four on their own patch in the Europa League.

That will give Athletic Bilbao plenty of confidence of turning this tie around, but their recent form is a concern, as they have won only four of their 14 matches across all competitions since the turn of the year (that tally becomes five if you include a penalty shootout success over lower league Logrones in the Copa del Rey).

The Lions were beaten at Atletico Madrid and could only draw 1-1 on home soil with Mallorca either side of their first-leg defeat in Rome and they are arguably facing one of Europe's form teams this midweek.

After a disastrous start to the season that saw them part ways with two managers - Daniele De Rossi and Ivan Juric - it is safe to say Roma have found their feet under the returning Claudio Ranieri.

Since coming back to the club for his third spell in charge in November, Ranieri has not only steadied the ship but he has turned Roma from a struggling side in Serie A to potential top-four contenders.

The Giallorossi are unbeaten in Serie A this year and head to Bilbao on a six-match winning run across all competitions, following up their first-leg success by getting the better of Empoli on Sunday.

It is 3/1 for Roma to win at San Mames and given the form of the two teams that is possible, but the Italians don't need a victory, as a draw will see them through, so the safer play could be siding with them in the double chance market.

Over 2.5 goals and both teams to score - 11/8

There may be plenty at stake on Thursday, but that does not mean this will be a cagey contest, with Athletic knowing they have to score to stand any chance of advancing to a quarter-final tie against either Rangers or Fenerbahce.

Finding the back of the net has not tended to be an issue for Valverde's team, particularly on home soil, as they have scored in 17 of their 19 matches at San Mames this season, netting seven in a recent league victory over Real Valladolid.

However, at the other end Athletic are without a clean sheet in five and they are sure to be tested against a free-scoring Roma, who have netted in 12 consecutive games and have scored more than once in four of their last five.

Last week's first leg produced three goals with both teams finding the back of the net and it should surprise no one if this return fixture follows the same pattern.

Angelino to score or assist - 15/2

Former Manchester City ace Angelino has been thriving on the left of midfield in Ranieri's 3-4-3 formation and he has certainly been providing a goal threat, evidenced by his equaliser during the first leg of this tie.

That effort in Rome was the Spaniard's 10th goal involvement of the season, nine of which have come since Ranieri's return to the club.

The only exception was the assist Angelino provided when these two teams met during the league phase back in September - a match that ended in a 1-1 draw in Rome - and the 28-year-old could make it three goal involvements in as many matches against Athletic on Thursday.

Read more football betting tips and predictions on site

Athletic Bilbao v Roma odds

Athletic Bilbao - 9/10
Draw - 13/5
Roma - 3/1

View the full market and more odds for Athletic Bilbao v Roma on site

This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.