Roma vs Athletic Bilbao Match Prediction, Fantasy Football Tips and Possible Starting Lineups

The Champions League might steal most of the spotlight in European football – and for good reason – but the Europa League has had its fair share of thrilling matchups too. This season is no different, with some big-name clubs battling it out for the trophy. And tonight, two of them go head-to-head in a massive Round of 16 clash. Roma and Athletic Bilbao are both seen as serious contenders, but only one will move a step closer to glory.

With the Europa League final set to take place at San Mamés, plenty of fans are hoping to see Athletic Bilbao go all the way. But first, they face a major hurdle in the Round of 16 – Roma. Getting past the Giallorossi won’t be easy. These two sides have already met once this season, playing out a 1-1 draw at the Stadio Olimpico back in September. But that was a different Roma – one in the midst of chaos. Shortly after that match, they sacked Ivan Jurić, their second manager of the season, and turned to club legend Claudio Ranieri to steady the ship. And steady it he has. Roma are now unbeaten in their last six matches and showed their resilience by edging past Porto in a tough playoff tie, winning 4-3 on aggregate. 

On the other hand, Bilbao didn’t need a playoff round to reach this stage, finishing second in their league phase group behind Lazio. But their recent form has been inconsistent. In their last five games, they’ve won twice, drawn twice, and suffered one defeat. That said, when they do win, they win big – smashing Valladolid 7-1 and brushing aside Girona 3-0, both at San Mamés. With the final set to be played in their backyard, Bilbao will be desperate to keep their dream alive. 

Roma vs Athletic Bilbao – Match Date, Time and Venue 

Date: 7th March 2025                      

Time: 1:30 AM (IST)                 

Stadium: Stadio Olimpico  

Location: Rome, Italy 

Roma’s Possible Starting XI 

Svilar; Celik, Mancini, Ndicka; Saelemaekers, Kone, Cristante, Angelino; Dybala, Pellegrini; Dovbyk. 

Athletic Bilbao’s Possible Starting XI 

Simon; De Marcos, Vivian, Paredes, Yuri; Jauregizar, Vesga; I. Williams, Gomez, N. Williams; Sannadi. 

Roma vs Athletic Bilbao Fantasy Team 

Goalkeeper: Unai Simon (Bilbao) 

Defenders: Evan Ndicka (Roma), Angelino (Roma), Yuri Berchiche (Bilbao) 

Midfielders: Nico Williams (Bilbao), Oihan Sancet (Bilbao), Manu Kone (Roma), Lorenzo Pellegrini (Roma) 

Forwards: Inaki Williams (Bilbao), Artem Dovbyk (Roma), Paulo Dybala (Roma) 

Roma vs Athletic Bilbao Fantasy Lineup

Roma vs Athletic Bilbao – Fantasy Team Captain and Vice-Captain  

Choice 1: Paulo Dybala (C), Lorenzo Pellegrini (VC)  

Choice 2: Nico Williams (C), Oihan Sancet (VC)  

Disclaimer:  

The author has provided you with the above-mentioned match prediction on the basis of his research, understanding, and analysis, consider the points and make your own decision.