Roma vs Udinese Preview:
Possible starting lineups:
Roma:
Rui Patricio; Karsdorp, Mancini, Ibanez, Califiori; Cristante, Veretout; Zaniolo, Pellegrini, Mkhitaryan; Abraham
Udinese:
Silvestri; Becao, Nuytinck, Samir; Molina, Arslan, Walace, Roberto Pereyra, Larsen; Pussetto, Deulofeu
Roma impressive start to the season under Jose Mourinho came to its end at Verona. The Giallorossi lost 3:2 during the weekend and the atmosphere in the squad isn't perfect anymore. Before that defeat, Roma had won six in a row across all competitions and they had a 100% record in Serie A. Roma opened the season with a 3:1 home win over Fiorentina, and then outplayed Salernitana winning 4:0 as guests. Previous weekend, a dramatic last-minute victory against Sassuolo sent Mourinho chasing off down the touchline. The Special One registered victories in his opening five games at a club for the first time ever in a long and trophy-laden career. But then came the most unpleasant opponents in the name of Hellas Verona. Last year Roma lost 3:0 "par-forfait' for an embarrassing administrative error. This time Roma lost the match with 3:2. Lorenzo Pellegrini’s clever backheel flick gave them a half-time lead, but Antonin Barak and Gianluca Caprari turned out the result. Ivan Ilic scored an own goal to bring Roma level before the hour, but Davide Faraoni’s brilliant volley secured the victory for Verona. After the match, striker Tammy Abraham went over to the fans to apologize for the defeat. The fans were singing despite the negative result and the English striker went over to the away stands at the Bentegodi. For this match Roma remain without Leonardo Spinazzola as the midfielder continues his recovery from surgery on the Achilles tendon. Some changes are expected, Henrikh Mkhitaryan could replace Uzbek striker Eldor Shomurodov.
Udinese started the season in excellent way. They had seven points after the first three rounds in Serie A. The Zebrette played a 2:2 draw with Juventus in the opening round. They were two-goals down after the first half, but escaped the defeat thanks to Roberto Pereyra and Gerard Deulofeu. Udinese then secured two victories - 3:0 against Venezia in the second and 1:0 against Spezia in the third round. The substitute Lazar Samardzic scored the winning goal against Spezia, while the three goals against Venezia were scored by three different players - Ignacio Pussetto, Deulofeu and Nahuel Molina. Nevertheless, the fourth round brought a high defeat. The Zebrette suffered a heavy 4:0 defeat from Napoli at Friuli. After the match coach Luca Goti said his players were too naive when conceded the first two goals. It wasn't easy after that. For this match Gotti has most of the players available, but Ilija Nestorovski and talented young defender Iyenoma Udogie remains on the sidelines with injuries. Jens Stryger Larsen is rated as doubtful after picking up a knock last time out.
Roma vs Udinese Prediction:
Both teams lost in the fourth round. It was the first defeat for both Roma and Udinese. However, there was a difference in the defeats, While Roma clash with Verona was a close encounter, Udinese were completely outplayed by Napoli and suffered a high 4:0 home defeat. In addition, the fact that match was just a few nights ago could leave them fatigued against Roma side. On other side, I expect Mourinho's players to respond well to their loss. Roma should win this match.
Roma vs Udinese Pick: Roma to win @ 1.53 with Bwin