AS Roma are gearing up for a tough test as they welcome Athletic Club to the Stadio Olimpico for the first leg of their UEFA Europa League round of 16 showdown.
It won’t be a walk in the park for the Italian side, as Athletic Club have been holding their own this season. Playing on home turf gives Roma a solid foundation to build on, but they’ll need to bring their attacking A-game to make the most of this advantage.
Meanwhile, the Basque outfit secured their round of 16 spot in style, cruising through the league phase. Their last encounter with Roma ended in a stalemate, but this time around, expect a more aggressive approach as they aim to break through the Giallorossi’s defense.
However, getting past Roma in their own backyard is no small feat, making this an intriguing battle from start to finish.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
AS Roma vs. Athletic Club live stream, TV channel
Here’s how to watch this Europa League match in the U.S.:
TV channel: CBS Sports Network
Live stream: Paramount+, Fubo
This game is available for live TV broadcast on CBS Sports Network. Streaming options are available on Fubo and Paramount+ (which are offering a FREE trial for new subscribers).
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What time does AS Roma vs. Athletic Club kick off?
This Europa League clash takes place at Stadio Olimpico in Rome, Italy and kicks off on Friday, March 6 at 9:00 p.m. local time.
Here’s how that time translates across the U.S.:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Eastern Time | Fri, Mar. 7 | 3:00 p.m. |
| Central Time | Fri, Mar. 7 | 2:00 p.m. |
| Mountain Time | Fri, Mar. 7 | 1:00 p.m. |
| Pacific Time | Fri, Mar. 7 | 12:00 p.m. |
AS Roma vs. Athletic Club predicted lineups, team news
After marking his return from injury with a goal off the bench, Roma’s leading scorer Artem Dovbyk could now reclaim his spot in the starting lineup, likely replacing Eldor Shomurodov up front.
It remains to be seen if Paulo Dybala will join him, as Claudio Ranieri may opt to rest the Argentine. If that’s the case, youngsters Matias Soule, Nicolo Pisilli, and Tommaso Baldanzi will be vying for attacking roles behind the lone striker.
Baldanzi is one of five Roma players walking the suspension tightrope ahead of the second leg, with Dybala also among those at risk. However, Leandro Paredes has already hit the booking limit and will serve a one-match suspension, meaning Bryan Cristante is expected to anchor the midfield.
AS Roma predicted XI (3-4-2-1, right to left): Svilar (GK) — Celik, Mancini, Ndicka — Saelemaekers, Kone, Cristante, Angelino — Dybala, Pellegrini — Dovbyk.
Injured: None.
Suspended: Leandro Paredes
Athletic Club received a boost with Oihan Sancet passing a late fitness test, clearing him for the trip to Italy. However, Alvaro Djalo remains sidelined due to an ankle injury.
Once again, the Williams brothers are expected to spearhead the visitors’ attack, with Inaki leading the line alongside his younger sibling, Nico. Meanwhile, Gorka Guruzeta and Maroan Sannadi are both pushing for a place in the forward setup.
Nico Williams has been a nightmare for defenders this season, leading all Europa League players with at least 500 minutes in dribbles per 90 minutes (9.6) – the highest average recorded in the competition since the 2019-20 campaign.
Athletic Club predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Simon (GK) — De Marcos, Vivian, Paredes, Yuri — Jauregizar, Vesga — I. Williams, Gomez, N. Williams — Sannadi.
Injured: Oscar Cortes, Leon King (left the club)
Suspended: None.
AS Roma vs. Athletic Club prediction
Roma and Athletic Bilbao are set for a tightly contested Europa League battle, with the Italian side boasting an impressive home record in Europe. Having lost just two of their last 38 home matches, Roma will be confident, but Bilbao’s attacking quality makes them a dangerous opponent.
While the Giallorossi are favorites, the visitors are likely to find the net, setting up a hard-fought draw in this first-leg encounter.
- Prediction: AS Roma 1-1 Athletic Club
Europa League fixture schedule this week
All times ET
Thursday, March 6
- AZ vs. Tottenham (12:45 p.m.)
- FCSB vs. Lyon (12:45 p.m.)
- Fenerbahçe vs. Rangers (12:45 p.m.)
- Real Sociedad vs. Man United (12:45 p.m.)
Friday, March 7
- Ajax vs. Eintracht Frankfurt (3:00 p.m.)
- Roma vs. Athletic Club (3:00 p.m.)
- Bodø/Glimt vs. Olympiacos (3:00 p.m.)
- Viktoria Plzeň vs. Lazio (3:00 p.m.)
