Roma set for narrow Europa League victory over HJK
AS Roma vs HJK Helsinki - 15/09/2022
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Matchday 2 of the 2022/23 UEFA Europa League takes place on Thursday. In Group C, Italian side Roma welcome Finnish club HJK to the Stadio Olimpico.
Both sides will be looking to bounce back from defeat on Matchday 1. Consequently, they find themselves three points behind Real Betis and Ludogorets in Group C.
Although Roma head into Thursday’s clash as heavy home favourites, HJK will fancy their chances of frustrating the Italians in Rome.
Roma kicked off their Europa League campaign with a 2-1 defeat to Ludogorets, despite registering 19 shots and enjoying the lion’s share of possession.
Cauly Oliveira Souza gave Ludogorets the lead on 72 minutes, before Eldor Shomurodov equalised on 86 minutes. But there was still time for Nonato to score a late winner.
On Monday, Roma claimed a 2-1 victory over Empoli. As a result, they find themselves fifth in Serie A – one point behind first-place Napoli – after losing just one of their six league games this term.
That said, Jose Mourinho’s men have only managed to score eight goals in six Serie A outings this season – meaning Thursday’s clash is likely to be a low-scoring affair.
As for HJK, they were beaten 2-0 by Real Betis on Matchday 1. Not only did they face 20 shots, but they also recorded a solitary attempt on target in reply.
Following last week’s loss, trends show that each of HJK’s previous five games in the Europa League have produced under 2.5 goals.
HJK claimed a 2-1 victory over FC Honka last time out, meaning they sit two points clear atop the Finnish Veikkausliiga.
Having lost just three of their 22 league games this season, they will be eager to carry their domestic form onto the European stage.
Head-to-head: This will be the first meeting between Roma and HJK, so there are no previous results to evaluate for this matchup.
Team news: Roma have a number of injury absentees at the moment, including Gini Wijnaldum, Ebrima Darboe, Stephen El Shaarawy and Rick Karsdorp.
On the flip side, HJK will be without the injured trio of Roope Riski, Valtteri Moren and Manuel Martic on Thursday.
HJK are expected to give Roma a run for their money at the Stadio Olimpico. Still, the hosts should have enough quality to come out on top.
Forebet predicts that Roma will claim a slender victory over HJK, with under 1.5 goals expected.
Home team
Away team
Pred
Correct score
Avg. goals
Weather conditions
Coef.
Score
Live
coef.
UEL
472825
1
1 - 0
2.27
23°
1.13
1.13
8.50
17.00
no
no
no
3 - 0(0 - 0)
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