Udinese vs Roma Preview:
Possible starting lineups:
Udinese:
Musso; Becao, Troost-Ekong, Samir; Ter Avest, Mandragora, Walace, De Paul, Sema; Nestorovski, Okaka
Roma:
Pau Lopez; Florenzi, Fazio, Smalling, Kolarov; Veretout, Mancini; Kluivert, Zaniolo, Perotti; Dzeko
Udinese host Roma at Dacia Arena in the most interesting fixture this round of Serie A. Three points from this match are very important for both sides. Udinese are sharing the 12th place with Milan. Both teams have 10 points and they are just three points away from the relegation zone. The actual form isn't ba, however the Zebrette suffered a heavy defeat at Atalanta on Sunday. Udinese had taken the lead in Bergamo through Stefano Okaka, but after Nicolas Opoku was sent off in the 31st minute, it was a catastrophe and Atalanta scored seven goals. It was a complete and total capitulation that frustrated the fans. Even more, the Friulani have conceded more goals in one day than throughout the previous eight Serie A rounds (6). Technical director Pierpaolo Marino said the team and coach Igor Tudor "ought to be ashamed" of a historic 7:1 defeat. Nicholas Opoku, who was sent off in that match, is now sidelined due to a suspension, while Jens Stryger-Larsen is out injured. Kevin Lasagna and Ilija Nestorovski are battling for one place in attack as the other is reserved for Stefano Okaka. At the end I will mention that Udinese are solid at home. They won the last two matches at Dacia Arena, against Torino and Bologna.
Roma are on the fifth position, just one point away from the Champions League spots. The Giallorossi have a record of four victories, four draws and just one defeat. The defense is solid, however the attack must be improved. Roma have scored four goals on the last five matches in Serie A. Nevertheless, Roma managed to beat Milan with 2:1 on Sunday, despite the fact that coach Paulo Fonseca was without eight players. Bryan Cristante, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Amadou Diawara, Davide Zappacosta, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Cengiz Under and Nikola Kalinic were all sidelined due to injuries, while Justin Kluivert was suspended. Fonseca was forced to call some Primavera players in the squad, like Darboe (18 years), Calafiori (17), Riccardi (18) and other. Edin Dzeko and Nicolo Zaniolo were the players that scored the goals. The later was criticized lately, including by Fabio Capello, but kissed the Roma jersey during his celebration. Just to mention, all nine of Zaniolo’s goals for Roma have been scored at the Stadio Olimpico. Dzeko has fractured his cheekbone earlier this month and played the whole match wearing a protective mask. The Bosnian striker has no space for rest, meaning he will lead the attack once again. Leonardo Spinazzola, who limped off against Milan, is rated as doubtful, while Cengiz Under could start from the bench after a long lay-off.
Udinese vs Roma Prediction:
I expect both teams to score here. Udinese were humiliated on Sunday and the players confidence is low. The defense showed lot of weaknesses and I believe Roma players will score. At the same time Tudor's players must give the maximum on this match or they will face the fans anger. Udinese have scored on three of the four home games in Serie A and I expect to find the back of the net again.
Udinese vs Roma Pick: Both teams to score - Yes @ 1.80 with Bet365