Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Europa League match.
Last week AS Roma scored more than once in a match for the first time this season, doing so in the opening round of the Europa League group stage against OGC Nice (2:1). At the weekend, the team dealt with Hellas Verona (2:0), scoring twice without reply. There now appears to be better balance across the lines ahead of the meeting with Lille.
AS Roma
After the international break, AS Roma played a poor match at the Stadio Olimpico, losing narrowly to Torino (0:1), with the opponent generating under 0.60 xG. That first slip of the season allowed the squad to take stock. In the Rome derby (1:0) the team dictated terms, posting 1.16 xG and registering six shots on target. In the wins over OGC Nice and Hellas Verona, the team continued to play without Paulo Dybala, and the squad have already adapted to his absence.
Lille
Lille started brightly, creating plenty in matches against Stade Brestois 29 (3:3), AS Monaco (1:0) and Lorient (7:1). However, in September the squad began to deal with personnel issues, which was reflected in Ligue 1 defeats to Lens (0:3) and Olympique Lyonnais (0:1). Between those fixtures the club beat SK Brann at home (2:1), but the visitors created 1.20 xG and attempted 12 shots.
AS Roma vs Lille Prediction
The strength of the squad and their overall experience point towards AS Roma ahead of this head-to-head with Lille. The visitors are unlikely to take anything at the Stadio Olimpico.
