Leicester City came from a goal down at halftime against Roma to snatch a late 1-1 draw in their Europa Conference League semifinal first leg.
The Foxes conceded in the 15th minute to Lorenzo Pellegrini but got on the scoresheet on 67 minutes thanks to a Roma own goal. Now, Brendan Rodgers’ team goes to Rome for the second leg and the chance to qualify for a major European final.
A 𝗛𝗨𝗚𝗘 night in Rome in prospect 🦊#RmaLei #UECL pic.twitter.com/3jKJpw2PIO— Leicester City (@LCFC) May 3, 2022
A 𝗛𝗨𝗚𝗘 night in Rome in prospect 🦊#RmaLei #UECL pic.twitter.com/3jKJpw2PIO
Roma should not be mystified on how they left Leicester without a win. Jose Mourinho parked the bus once more as Roma conceded 68% possession and 13 shots to Leicester City. The Foxes only tallied to shots on target, which was equal to Roma’s two shots on target.
In comparison, Mourinho’s team only posted four total shots while keeping 32% possession. The Giallorossi completed just 271 passes compared to Leicester City’s 544.
Roma followed up their 1-1 draw at the King Power Stadium with a surprise nil-nil home draw with Bologna at the weekend in Serie A. The Giallorossi are not in good form heading into the game on Thursday night.
Mourinho’s men are winless in their last four games in all competitions. Three of those games finished as draws.
Leicester City are in equally bad form heading into the Europa Conference League semifinal second leg. The Foxes are winless in five straight games. At the weekend, Leicester City were beaten 3-1 away at Tottenham Hotspur.
Rodgers won’t have defenders Ryan Bertrand and Wilfred Ndidi for the game. Both are ruled out with injuries. Midfielder James Maddison is currently a major doubt due to a groin strain. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is also a major doubt due to an injury.
Mourinho has just one player suffering from an injury at Roma. Midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan is likely to miss the game due to a hamstring injury. He could return in time for the Europa Conference League Final if Roma get that far.
Don’t be surprised if both managers play similar starting XIs. Jamie Vardy should start in attack for Leicester City but Kelechi Iheanacho could play on the wing.
Harvey Barnes could also come into the starting XI. Maddison’s absence could see defensive midfielder Boubakary Soumare come into the team.
Mourinho will once again play a 3-5-2 with striker Tammy Abraham leading the line. Jordan Vertout could start after coming on as a sub in the first leg.
Like the first leg, the second match of the semifinal series between Roma and Leciester City should end in a draw. Expect another 1-1 stalemate with extra-time to follow.