Europa Conference League semi-final predictions: Foxes hunt Roma scalp

Joseph Casey
LiveScore
Roma boss Jose Mourinho will lock horns with Leicester counterpart Brendan Rodgers once again on Thursday
Roma boss Jose Mourinho will lock horns with Leicester counterpart Brendan Rodgers once again on Thursday

The Europa Conference League semi-finals are delicately balanced going into Thursday's second legs.

Feyenoord take a one-goal lead over Marseille to France and honours are even between Roma and Leicester after a tight first encounter in the East Midlands.

We take a closer look at tomorrow's ties to see who is likely to book a spot in the Tirana showpiece.

Roma vs Leicester predictions

A competitive first leg at the King Power Stadium has left the tie finely poised ahead of the Foxes' trip to the Italian capital.

Jose Mourinho’s outfit took the lead early on before the hosts netted a second-half equaliser and then turned the screw, creating a number of late chances.

The two teams looked evenly matched and another stalemate to send it to extra-time is very much on the cards.

Both sides have drawn three of their last four in all competitions and this again looks likely to be a close affair.

Roma captain Lorenzo Pellegrini opened the scoring in last week's first leg
Roma captain Lorenzo Pellegrini opened the scoring in last week's first leg

A concern for Brendan Rodgers’ men will be the fact that they have lost three of their six away outings in Europe this season, including a 3-2 Europa League defeat in Italy to Napoli last December.

However, they did manage a spirited comeback on the road against PSV Eindhoven in the previous round so have it within them to reach a first-ever European final.

Keeping Tammy Abraham quiet will be key for the Foxes — the English striker has eight goals in the Europa Conference League this year and demonstrated his impressive link-up play throughout the first leg.

All in all, another score draw may well be the likely outcome when these two meet.

Marseille vs Feyenoord predictions

A wild first leg between Feyenoord and Marseille saw the Dutch team go 2-0 up within the first 20 minutes before the away team got two back before half-time.

Marseille’s defensive frailties were again exposed as the tournament’s top scorer Cyriel Dessers netted his second and Feyenoord's third just 20 seconds after the restart.

Both teams missed a number of chances in the second half and the tie ended 3-2.

The Ligue 1 side again showed their weakness at the back as they were beaten 3-0 by Lyon at the weekend.

Feyenoord striker Cyriel Dessers is the Europa Conference League's top scorer this season
Feyenoord striker Cyriel Dessers is the Europa Conference League's top scorer this season

The visitors will take plenty of hope from the fact that their French hosts have conceded 10 goals in their last five games across all competitions and will have to force the issue as they are a goal down, potentially leaving themselves open at the back.

Arne Slot's men have lost just one of their 17 Europa Conference League games this season including qualifying and have won six of their last seven in all competitions.

In 13 of Feyenoord's last 14 games in all competitions, both teams have scored so another open encounter seems likely.

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Europa Conference League 1RomaLeicester CityFeyenoordMarseille