Luis Enrique’s men eyeing a perfect run, as the Seahorses look for inspiration after beating Novara last weekend.
In-form AS Roma will host relegation battlers, Cesena, in the last game of first-round of the 2011/12 Serie A on Saturday, 21 January 2012 at 17:00 GMT.
The Giallorossi’ last weekend fixture was abandoned after 65 minutes due to a heavy rainfall. The game stood at 1-1, and is due to be completed next month. On the other hand, Cesena picked up a morale boosting win in their previous
league game against Novara last weekend. Despite that, they remain three points away from the safety zone.
AS Roma
The capital side is enjoying a great run of form, as they have won four of their last five league matches. Luis Enrique’s men find themselves 7th in the league table after 18 matches played thus far. Roma will be looking
to continue their impressive run in order to remain in contention for a top three finish.
Despite their recent struggles in the top flight, Cesena have always proved to be a tough opposition for the Giallorossi. The corresponding fixture of the last season finished in a goalless stalemate between the two sides.
Cesena
Daniele Arrigoni’s men will be looking to pick up from where they left in the previous game. However, their away form has been unimpressive, as they have scored only one goal in their last four games on the road.
Every single point will be extremely important at this stage for the Cavallucci Marini, as they are placed 18th in the league table.
Team News
AS Roma
The hosts will be without the services of injured quartet, Pablo Osvaldo, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Fabio-Borini-c13163 and Aleandro Rossi will undergo fitness tests before the game.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Bojan-Krkic-c7794 upfront.
Roma (probable): Stekelenburg; Rosi, Juan, Heinze, Taddei; Pjanic, Gago, Simplicio; Totti; Borini, Lamela
Cesena
Damjan Djokovic and Dominique Malonga remain long-term absentees for the visitors. New signing, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Vangelis-Moras-c35901, is expected to make his Cesena debut after moving from Premier league side, Swansea City, recently.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Adrian-Mutu-c3742 will continue to partner Eder upfront in a 4-4-2 formation.
Cesena (probable): Antonioli; Comotto, Moras, Rodriguez, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Lauro-c21758; Ceccarelli, Guana, Colucci, Parolo; Eder, Mutu
Players to Watch
Erik Lamela (AS Roma)
The young Argentine scored a brace against Fiorentina in a recent Coppa Italia game. In the absence of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/River-Plate-c40368 star will once again be required to play a huge role to continue his team’s impressive
run. Lamela has scored only one goal in 11 league matches played so far, but his overall contribution for the team has been outstanding.
Adrian Mutu (Cesena)
The Romanian striker scored a brace in his team’s 3-1 win over Novara last weekend, completing his 100 goals in the Serie A during the process. Daniele Arrigoni recently admitted that the former Fiorentina star has a big role to
play in his team’s survival this season. The 33-year-old has scored six goals in 15 appearances in the ongoing campaign thus far.
Prediction
The Seahorses have never beaten http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Roma-c31603 in the Serie A, but they have managed five draws from previous 10 matches. Given the recent form of both teams, the Giallorossi are likely to cruise to a comfortable home win. Verdict:
3-0
Tags: