Pastore, Sirigu, Borriello and Totti to star in AS Roma vs. US Palermo – Serie A preview
AS Roma in pursuit of the last Champions League berth
Roma were the runner-ups in the Serie A last term and the fans expected the team to better the last season’s run in the 2010/11 campaign. The outlook was positive going into the latest campaign, but the http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Wolves-c40952 have not been consistent this season and are lagging behind the league’s top runners.
Currently sitting on the 6th spot in the league rankings with 53 points, Roma are 3 points adrift of 5th placed http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Lazio-c39775. They have to cover a gap of 4 points in order to break into the top four.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Roma-c31603 have been consistent performers at home turf. Of the 15 games they have played at Stadio Olimpico, La Maggica have won 9 and lost 2 while the remaining 4 encounters failed to produce a winner. However, their recent form can be tagged patchy at best as both the home defeats have come in the last five home games.
The Lupi host US Palermo in the upcoming fixture at the Olimpico. Roma would be the favourites for the upcoming game as the visitors have struggled to find good form at away venues this season.
US Palermo caught in the midst of Pandemonium
Last year’s 5th placers, US Palermo, have been nothing more than a disappointment this term. It has been a tough season for the Sicilians as the club has been through a lot of turmoil. The outfit lacked consistency throughout the first half of the season and the New Year saw no major improvement in the Aquile’s form.
The Rosanero sacked their coach Delio Rossi on 25th February after a humiliating 7-0 home defeat at the hands of Udinese Calcio. Serse Cosmi was appointed as the new tactician but there was no visible change in the results. On the 4th of April, the newly appointed coach was fired after a 4-0 loss to Catania, only to be replaced by the previously sacked coach Rossi.
The Pink-Blacks have been good performers at the home turf, but their travels have been nothing short of miserable. Of the 16 away games, the Eagles have managed only 4 victories, losing 10 clashes and shared the spoils in the remaining 2 encounters. The Aquile have managed just a solitary victory in their last 5 games, losing on 4 occasions.
Visiting Stadio Olimpico this weekend, the Rosanero will be lucky to manage a draw as they have thin chances of winning the game. The inconsistent form is showing no signs of improving and it would not come as a surprise if the visitors fall prey to the Roman wolves.
Team News
AS Roma
The home team would be without the defender Philippe Mexes as the player is ruled out for the season after recently injuring his left knee. http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Jeremy-Menez-c18345, though, will return to first team action.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Marco-Borriello-c23672 has aided the Giallorossi cause with 10 goals in his first season at the club. The two strikers would have to play key roles if Roma are to win at home.
US Palermo
Delio Rossi will have to do without the services of sensational attacking midfielder, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Josip-Ilicic-c19564, as the player in out injured.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Javier-Pastore-c18082 (10 goals, 4 assists) started the season with a bang but his form after the winter break has left a lot to be desired. Pastore will have to play a key role in unlocking the Roman defence.
Prediction
The stage is set for Roma to cover up some lost ground in their hunt Champions League football. La Maggica would be favourites for this tie but the visitors can be deadly on counter-attacks. The final score line would read Roma 2 – 0 Palermo.
(The views expressed by the writer are his own and do not reflect the editorial policy of www.bettor.com)
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