Roma vs Man United
Thursday, May 6th, 3.00 PM (EDT)
AS Roma’s Europa League journey looks to be coming to an end following their 6-2 battering at the hands of the Red Devils in the first leg.
The defeat, which was the most decisive of their season, not only creates a near insurmountable obstacle for the Italian side to hurdle, but also brought upon the resignation of head coach, Paulo Foncesca, at the end of the campaign.
Upon their return to Italy, Roma’s form remained the same as they picked up their 3rd straight loss away to Sampdoria, now winless from the last 6 games in all competitions.
After a scintillating performance in the first leg, and with their place in the final all but booked, it is all smiles for Ole Gunnar Solskjaers’ United.
The game didn’t come without a sweat though, the Red Devils were down 2-1 at half time, giving way to one of the most dominant halves of football this year as they scored 5 unanswered goals within a 40 minute window.
We got a great result last week but this isn’t finished yet! We’re going to Rome to win the game. 💪 pic.twitter.com/iUi2kYgLBl
— Bruno Fernandes (@B_Fernandes8) May 5, 2021
Edinson Cavani got the ball rolling with 2 goals in the second half to level, and then claim the lead, and 7 minutes later Bruno Fernandes converted from the spot for his second of the game.
The veteran striker and the Portuguese sensation have 13 goal contributions between them in the Europa League this season.
Following their emphatic win, United headed back to England to play their arch rivals, Liverpool, however, the game was called off due to the protests of United fans calling for change in the structure and management of their club.
While there is trouble behind the scenes in Manchester, on the ground they are completely excelling, and given how brilliant they have been away from home this season there is no doubt that they progress today, with the win also looking very likely against the shambolic, AS Roma.
Europa League Prediction: Manchester United (-115)
Over 2.5 Goals / YES (-198)
Arsenal vs Villareal
Thursday, May 6th, 3.00 PM (EDT)
Following the progression of Manchester City and Chelsea to the Champions League Final, and given the likelihood of Manchester United going through, all eyes are on Arsenal to rebound against Villareal for an all English year of European finalists.
The Gunners trail by a goal against Unai Emery’s Villareal following their impressive 2-1 win in Spain last week, this time around the Emirates play’s host and the stage is set for a belter.
Full focus.
🔜 #UEL pic.twitter.com/exI1S7tCmU
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) May 5, 2021
The Yellow Submarine got off to the best possible start in the last leg, with Manu Trigueros rifling the ball into the back of the net just 5 minutes into the game. Not long after, Raul Albiol made it 2 for Villareal thanks to a brilliantly executed set piece.
At 2-0 down Arsenal’s prospects looked bleak, luckily they found some hope deep into the second half after Bukayo Saka was taken down in the box. Nicolas Pepe stepped up to the spot and buried his attempt, securing the crucial away goal.
The goal does a lot for the Gunners, but there is still lots to be done in this match if they want to progress, and considering their winless record from the last 5 games at the Emirates, we are hesitant to back them for anything more than a draw on the day.
Europa League Prediction: Draw (+270)
Over 2.5 Goals / NO (+108)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, thanks to FanDuel.
