Brighton vs Roma tips and predictions: No historic comeback against clinical Giallorossi
- George Dempsey
- 13 March 2024
Brighton will throw the kitchen sink at Roma at the AMEX on Thursday but we expect them to come unstuck in their Europa League clash (2000 GMT).
We expected Brighton to struggle against this level of opposition in Rome and that proved to be the case as they trailed from the 13th minute and never recovered.
The Serie A side showed the clinical edge needed to make a deep run into European competition, while Brighton’s performance was reminiscent of yesteryear.
The Seagulls dominated the vast majority of possession and created almost as many openings as their hosts but failed to take them in Potter-esque fashion.
The Giallorossi dropped points for the second time under Daniele De Rossi when drawing 2-2 with Fiorentina at the weekend, but it could have been worse if not for an unlikely hero.
Mile Svilar’s 80th-minute penalty save allowed on loan Leeds United defender Diego Llorente’s stunning contribution to salvage a point. If you haven’t seen it... phwoar.
We’ve seen some stunning European comebacks on English soil but this would top the lot and we can’t see it happening.
Roma have a wide margin of error and even if Brighton hit the front, the realisation of falling short later in the game could allow the visitors to get on top again.
It’s not often the Seagulls ship two at home in any competition but they were ill-prepared for AEK Athens' style and the right circumstances dictate they could crumble late on.
The price on Roma to strike twice is worth a modest risk, as is backing Brighton to match that tally and pile the pressure on with their corner count.
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Team news
Solly March, Kaoru Mitoma, Jack Hinshelwood, James Milner and Joao Pedro are unavailable due to injury.
Given the high-profile absentees, Ansu Fati and Evan Ferguson will be Brighton’s driving force.
It remains to be seen how De Rossi approaches the game but Paulo Dybala has been dealing with niggling injuries.
Tammy Abraham, Rasmus Kristensen, Chris Smalling and Renato Sanches are ruled out.
Key stats
- Brighton haven’t scored more than two goals in a European match
- Brighton have scored two or more in four of seven Europa League games
- Roma have never squandered this big a lead but did lose 6-2 to Man Utd in 2021
- Roma have scored two or more in eight of 10 under De Rossi
