Our prediction for this Europa League match:
Roma and HJK face each other at Stadio Olimpico in a David-vs-Goliath clash. The Giallorossi suffered an unexpected loss to Ludogorets in their opener, but the bookies see them as hot favourites to beat the Finnish champions on home soil. All Wijnaldum, Kumbulla, Zalewski, El Shaarawy, and Darboe should miss out with injuries for the Serie A outfit. Uzbekistan international Eldor Shomurodov is pushing for a start.
Helsinki, on the other hand, failed to make life difficult for Real Betis in their first group game, and we do not believe that they are capable of spoiling Roma’s party in the Eternal City. All Martic, Moren, Radulovic, Riski Ro, Saksela, and Serrarens have been struggling with injuries of late, speaking of the away side. You should bear in mind that Jose Mourinho’s troops defeated Manchester United 3-2 in their last home game in the Europa League.
Highlighted Player (Rui Patricio):
Sporting Lisbon and Portugal national team goalkeeper Rui Patricio is a one-club man. He was reportedly close to signing with Serie A giants Inter Milan during the 2008 of-season, but he remained in his club where he will most likely hang up his boots when the time comes. The 28-year-old shot stopper spent most of his career with the Lions making his debut with the first-team at only 18 years of age.
Rui Patricio went on to appear in more than 350 official games for the Portugal greats and remains the first-choice keeper for his club and country. Having gone through all the youth selections with the national team, Rui Patricio was given his first senior cap in 2010 after Paulo Bento’s appointment.
Rui Patricio represented his national team at the 2014 FIFA World Cup and three European Championships. The 28-year-old was the mainstay in Portugal’s historic Euro 2016 title in France.