Arguably the tie of the round produced one of its most unexpected results last week, as Roma went to the Estadio de la Ceramica and recorded a 4-0 win over Villarreal.
The Yellow Submarine, who boast La Liga's meanest defence had only conceded nine league goals at home all season, but the four away goals they let in against Roma mean this tie is all but over.
GettyIndeed the Serie A side are 1/100 (1.01) with Betfair to make it through to the next round, while on the night Roma can be backed at 3/4 (1.75) to record another victory and the visitors are offered at 4/1 (5.00) to salvage some pride with a win on the road.
With the tie practically settled, expect both managers to make changes to their respective starting line-ups, with both sides facing important domestic matches this weekened. Roma travel to an in-form Inter Milan side, while Villarreal host La Liga leaders Real Madrid, with both of those clashes are more significant than the one in the Stadio Olimpico on Thursday.
Under 2.5 goals is offered at 11/10 (2.10) and this looks a tempting price for a tie which is looks to be already settled. Villarreal's last trip to Italy saw them draw 1-1 with Napoli last season, as have two of their three away matches in the Europa League this term. A repeat of that scoreline is offered at 15/2 (7.50).
Of course there will be plenty of interest in the price for a home win, given Roma's stunning domestic record in their own stadium with the Giallorossi winning each of their last 15 Serie A matches at the Olimpico.
The price of 16/5 (4.20) for a home win and under 2.5 goals might appeal also therefore for a value bet, with Villarreal unlikely to collapse as they did in the first leg, yet Roma still clear favorites for the win.
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Under 2.5 goals at 11/10 (2.10) for a 1.5pt stake with Betfair Sportsbook |
