There seems little doubt that the tie of the last 32 in the Europa League pits Villarreal against Roma, with La Liga's best defence going up against the side sitting second in Serie A.
The Giallorossi have been in impeccable form at home domestically this season with 11 wins from their 11 matches in the Italian top flight and Villarreal know they will probably need to take a first leg advantage with them when they visit the Stadio Olimpico next week.
Getty ImagesThe Yellow Submarine for their part sit sixth in the Primera Division and while Fran Escriba's men remain extremely tough to beat, they have drawn too many games.
Only Real Madrid and Barcelona have lost fewer La Liga matches this term than Villarreal, yet no team has drawn more. With that fact in mind, expect this to be a tight game with the sides evenly matched both on the pitch and in the betting markets with Betfair offering the hosts at 17/10 (2.70) and Roma at 9/5 (2.80) .
The draw, meanwhile, is available at 12/5 (3.40) and that is a price that should appeal to those looking for a value bet. Six out of Villarreal's last nine matches in all competitions have ended as stalemates while two of Roma's three away matches in the Europa League this season have also been draws.
GOALThe Italian outfit are the second top scorers overall in Serie A, yet away from home six teams have a better scoring record. Against Spain's best defence, Roma could struggle to find the back of the net, particularly as Villarreal will be focused on not conceding an away goal.
For serious investement backing under 2.5 goals at 8/11 (1.73) will attract some attention, with this selection paying out in six of Roma's last seven away fixtures as well as in all of Villarreal's last seven competitive games.
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Under 2.5 goals at 8/11 (1.73) for a 2.5pt stake with Betfair Sportsbook |
