UEL Semi-final 2022-23: AS Roma vs Bayer Leverkusen: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

The Stadio Olimpico will play host to Die Werkself in the 1st leg of the Europa League semi-final, where Mourinho faces his former pupil Alonso, on Thursday.

AS Roma against the odds came back from a goal deficit late in the 2nd half and turned around the 2nd leg tie against Feyenoord and ended up winning the quarter-final tie 4-2 in aggregate. With their sights set on claiming two consecutive European Cups in two years, a fantastic match-up with Bayer Leverkusen awaits us in the semi-final stage of this year's Europa League.

With Jose Mourinho lamenting an injury-filled squad with numerous first-team players struggling for fitness, AS Roma will have an uphill task against a young and vibrant Bayer Leverkusen team, led by former Mourinho player, turned manager in Xabi Alonso. Since their victory against Feyenoord, Roma's league form has been below par and are without a win in four matches including a tough 0-2 home defeat to Inter this weekend.

For Leverkusen, the semifinal stage presents an opportunity for young manager Xabi Alonso to test himself in a European Cup semifinal, against one of his former mentors Jose Mourinho. Fresh with momentum, the German side overcame Belgian side Union St.Gilloise 2-5 on aggregate including a 1-4 away victory in the 2nd leg. They're currently in 6th in the Bundesliga table, and will not be short on confidence to reach a second European Cup final after 2002, with the 2nd leg fixture at home next week.

Kick-off

Thursday, 11-05-2023, 07:00 PM (GMT)

Friday, 12-05-2023, 12:30 AM (IST)

AS Roma Form (All Competitions): L - D - D - L - W

Bayer Leverkusen Form (All Competitions): L - D - W - W - D

Players to Watch Out

Roma – Paulo Dybala

The man for the big occasion for AS Roma, as he repaid the faith shown in him more than twice over with a clutch goal in the 89th minute, to send the game to overtime against Feyenoord. With his side minutes away from elimination, Dybala showcased to the Roman faithful, as to why he was brought in by Jose Mourinho, specifically to deliver in these moments. The story of Dybala's short Roma career has been to overcome adversity several times over, plagued with injuries. He finds himself in the same position ahead of this fixture against Leverkusen and will have to impact the game with limited minutes off the bench, as he's done in the previous round.

Bayer Leverkusen: Moussa Diaby

The French winger was the key man for Bayer as they eliminated Union St.Gilloise in a tough away fixture, with a semi-final berth on the line. Since Xabi Alonso's appointment, the Leverkusen side has been a much-changed side with more pressing of their opponents and using the pace of their right-wing where Diaby and wingback Frimpong are able to catch their opponents vulnerable on the counter-attack, with their electric pace. That'll be the plan again in Rome as Diaby will look to replicate his goal & assist performance to give his side an advantage for the second leg.

Match Facts

• Roma haven't kept a clean sheet in their last five matches.
• AS Roma boss Jose Mourinho doesn't boast a hugely impressive record against German teams, with only seven wins, 11 losses, and 3 draws.
• Bayer Leverkusen are unbeaten in their last seven away games.
• Leverkusen have won on all three of their knockout trips away from home this season, scoring nine and conceding just three, which included victories at Monaco, Ferencvaros & Union St.Gilloise.

Injury and Team news

For AS Roma, full-back Karsdorp(knee), and centre-back Kumbulla(ACL), will miss out. Also doubtful is winger El Shaarawy(hip) on Thursday.

Bayer Leverkusen will miss out on the services of forward Schick(groin) and backup goalie Lunev(back), against Roma.

Head-to-head stats

Matches: 4

AS Roma: 1

Bayer Leverkusen: 1

Draws: 2

Predicted Lineup

AS Roma Predicted Lineup (3-4-3): 

Patricio; Mancini, Smalling, Ibanez; Celik, Cristante, Matic, Spinazzola; Pellegrini (c), Belotti, Abraham

Bayer Leverkusen Predicted Lineup (3-4-2-1):

Hradecky (c); Tapsoba, Tah, Hincapie; Frimpong, Andrich, Palacios, Bakker; Wirtz, Diaby; Hlozek

Match Prediction for AS Roma vs Bayer Leverkusen

Despite the poor form domestically recently, Roma are a formidable side at the Stadio Olimpico and very rarely concede goals easily at home. They'll be up against a youthful, motivated and hungry Bayer Leverkusen side led by a tactically astute upcoming Xabi Alonso leading charge. However, Roma's experience and Jose Mourinho's wily ability to play the occasion but just be enough to give them a slender advantage on the night.

Prediction: AS Roma 2 – 1 Bayer Leverkusen

Telecast

India – Sony Ten Network and Sony LIV app

UK – BT Sport

US – Paramount+ & CBS

Nigeria –  SuperSports