Our prediction for this Europa League match:
There will be fireworks when Real Sociedad and Roma face each other at Reale Arena on Thursday evening. Real Sociedad need a big win in the Europa League last 16, second leg, but crushing Mourinho’s Roma is easier said than done. All Elustondo, Merquelanz, and Sadiq should miss out with injuries for the home team. Alexander Sorloth is pushing for a start after coming as a substitute in a 1-1 draw with Mallorca.
The Giallorossi, on the other hand, are likely to rely on their rock-solid defence in the second leg. Anyhow, home win should be considered as La Real are a real force to be reckoned with at home. As for the away team, Paulo Dybala should be recalled to the starting XI, while midfielder Bryan Cristante is back from the domestic ban. Tammy Abraham is widely expected to lead the line for the visitors.
Highlighted Player (David Silva):
David Silva is a product of Valencia’s youth system. Born on 8 January, 1986, the highly rated footballer made his debut in the 2004/2005 campaign and went on to score a total of 21 goals for the Estadio de Mestalla outfit. In 2010, the Spanish midfielder signed a deal with Premier League side Manchester City and he has already won two domestic championships with the free-spending club.
In the 2015/2016 season David Silva and Co. faced Real Madrid in the Champions League semis, but the Spanish giants proved to be a big catch for the Citizens in the two-legged tie. Silva plays as an attacking midfielder, but he is capable of playing as winger or a second striker as well.
He is well known for his possession-retaining qualities and, as a result, he got the nicknames “Merlin” and “El Mago”. David Silva won the 2014 FIFA World Cup trophy with Spain, while winning Euro 2008 and Euro 2012 with La Roja as well.
Highlighted Team (AS Roma):
AS Roma is a professional football club based in Rome. Roma were founded by a merger in 1927 and they play in the Italian Serie A. Roma’s fiercest rivals are Lazio and it has to be noted that both capital clubs play their home games at Stadio Olimpico. The two local rivals face each other in the Derby della Capitale, which is considered one of the most exciting derbies in the world of football.
The Giallorossi (The Yellow and Reds) have won three Serie A titles (1941/1942, 1982/1983, 2000/2001), while winning nine Coppa Italia trophies. The colour of Roma’s shirts is imperial purple with a golden yellow trim. A number of top-class footballers were part of Roma in the past, but Francesco Totti is undisputedly the club’s biggest legend.The Prince of Rom made his 601 appearances for Roma on 14 May, 2016 when the Giallorossi recorded a 3-1 win over Milan at Stadio San Siro.