Roma v FC Porto: Prediction, Tips and Odds

Roma and Porto played out an all-action 1-1 draw last week at the Estadio do Dragao and reunite for the second leg of their UEFA Europa League knockout round play-off on Thursday.

Zeki Celik opened the scoring for the Giallorossi before Francesco Moura equalised in a chaotic game also featuring a red card for Bryan Cristante.  

More of the same is expected at the Stadio Olimpico, with the winner set to face either Athletic Club - whose San Mames' stadium will host this competition's final - or Lazio in the last 16.

Both teams won 1-0 at the weekend, with Claudio Ranieri's troops defeating Parma and Martin Anselmi's visitors triumphing at Farense.

They appear tough to split, but Roma have won 13 of their last 16 home matches in the UEFA Europa League (D2 L1) and it could be their night at the Olimpico.

Roma v FC Porto betting tips and predictions

Roma to win and both teams to score - 3/1

Roma are unbeaten in their last eight at home, winning seven on the spin before drawing 1-1 with Serie A leaders Napoli at the start of the month.

Ranieri has got the Giallorossi heading in the right direction after the chaos of the opening months of the season under Daniele De Rossi and Ivan Juric.

They are back within touching distance of Serie A's European positions and, with UEFA Champions League teams no longer dropping into this competition, may feel they can push for this trophy after previously reaching the final in 2023.

Porto have won this tournament twice but only beat Maccabi Tel Aviv on the road in the league phase, losing at Bodo/Glimt and Lazio before drawing with Anderlecht.

New boss Anselmi has quickly looked to introduce his preferred 3-4-3 shape after replacing Vitor Bruno last month.

The Argentinean is unbeaten in the role and his side have scored in his five matches in charge. 

Both teams have netted in three of those and that could land again, as could a first defeat for Anselmi. 

Roma won 2-1 the last time they hosted Porto in February 2019, available at 15/2, and look too good at home to oppose.

Artem Dovbyk anytime goalscorer - 11/10

Roma's summer signing of Artem Dovbyk from Girona was seen as a real coup after he won the 2023/24 Pichichi Trophy award for La Liga's top scorer.

The 27-year-old has scored a respectable 13 goals in all competitions and Ranieri looks set to favour him on Thursday after giving Eldor Shomurodov the start against Parma.

Dovbyk will relish the physical challenge of taking on the Porto defensive trio Tiago Djalo, Neheun Perez and Otavio.

The Ukrainian striker should thrive in a game likely to feature plenty of rough and tumble and look for him to throw himself around and grab a third UEFA Europa League goal of the campaign.

A red card in the match - 5/2

With an open contest forecast, a red card is a real possibility.

Roma's Cristante received his marching orders on 72 minutes in Portugal after picking up a second yellow and there was also a red in the Giallorossi's weekend victory for Parma's Giovanni Leoni.

From the Porto perspective, a player has been sent off in their last four fixtures.

Rio Ave's Johnathan Panzo was dismissed in their 2-2 draw, while Sporting CP duo Matheus Reis and Ousmane Diomande headed off amid the ill-tempered end to their 1-1 tie. Farense's Ze Carlos was also sent off at the weekend.

Cristante aside, nine other players were carded at the Dragao and another red card to be awarded looks an excellent price.

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Roma v FC Porto odds

Roma - 8/11
Draw - 13/5
FC Porto - 4/1

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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.