Bayer Leverkusen vs Roma Predicted XIs and Team News | OneFootball

Having secured a 2-0 win on the road in Rome last week, Bayer Leverkusen have one foot in the Europa League final as they prepare for the second leg of their semi-final against Roma.

Thursday’s encounter at the BayArena will kick-off at 8pm BST, and it will be shown live on TNT Sports 2.

Goals from Florian Wirtz and Robert Andrich proved the difference last week, and Xabi Alonso’s side are in a commanding position ahead of the return fixture in Germany.

Leverkusen continue to set the bar

Bayer Leverkusen’s momentum has shown no signs of slowing down as they prepare to face Roma for the second time in a week.

A controlled performance from Alonso’s men ensured they claimed a 2-0 lead, as they limited the Serie A side to just two shots on target.

While Roma had more possession, Leverkusen dominated the shot count 19 to eight, and the German champions continue to churn out victories under the former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder.

As well as a place in the Europa League final in Dublin in their sights, Alonso’s team have the chance to win the treble this season, and they are yet to lose a single match in any competition.

Die Werkself extended their unbeaten run to 48 games with a 5-1 thrashing of Eintracht Frankfurt on Sunday, meaning they have equalled Benfica’s European record, which was set between December 1963 and 1965.

Avoiding defeat would see them cement their place in history, and they have already proven they can overcome the Italian giants.

De Rossi has his work cut out

Roma coach Daniele De Rossi will hope to steal some of the limelight this week, but his team are in a sticky patch ahead of kick-off.

After a strong start to his tenure, De Rossi has now seen his side win just one of their last five games, and they have averaged one goal per game in their previous 11 meetings.

While Roma are unbeaten in four on the road, they have only won twice on their travels in this year’s Europa League.

Bayer Leverkusen vs Roma Team News

Alonso made eight changes against Frankfurt to keep his team fresh, and he has no injuries or suspensions to contend with. The likes of Alex Grimaldo, Jeremie Frimpong, Wirtz and Jonathan Tah are all expected to return.

Roma forward Paulo Dybala will need to shake off a minor muscular problem, having been replaced at half-time against Juventus.

Right-back Zeki Celik should return after serving a suspension last week, with Rasmus Kristensen set to make way as the Leeds United loanee was not registered in Roma’s Europa League squad.

Bayer Leverkusen vs Roma Predicted XIs

Bayer Leverkusen (3-4-2-1): Kovar; Tapsoba, Tah, Hincapie; Frimpong, Andrich, Xhaka, Grimaldo; Wirtz, Adli; Schick