Despite an unbeaten run at home in the league, the mood inside the Roma camp is not a happy one. Mourinho’s recent comments on the quality of the squad might have left some with a sour taste, particularly after their severe loss to Bodo/Glimt in the UEFA Europa Conference League. The club, however, is very much in the title mix, and to remain in such a position, they need results, starting with a victory over Milan.
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Why Should You be Watching?
The Roma clash is an all-important one for Pioli and Milan. While their impressive run so far has been good, dropped points against Mourinho’s side could be a blow in the Serie A title race with Napoli. They will be targeting a win and end the weekend at the very top of the table.
A win would temporarily take them above Napoli in the standings, with the current leaders left with a game in hand. Like Napoli, Milan has dropped points just once this term as they drew against Juventus.
Build Up with facts
- Roma has won only one of their last seven matches against the Rossonieri. The last time they were unbeaten against Milan was from 2016 to 2017 (W4 D2)
- AC MILAN is currently unbeaten in the first 9 games along with Napoli. If this run continues until the next match, both teams will match Juventus and Roma in the Serie A
- Roma are undefeated in their last nine home games in Serie A
- Roma have kept a clean sheet in five of their last seven home games in Serie A.
- Milan have lost just one of their last seven matches against AS Roma under Pioli.
Milan form: WDLLW
Roma form: WWWWW
Head to Head
In 31 head-to-head encounters between the two sides, Roma holds the advantage. They have won 12 games, lost eight, and drawn 11.
The two clubs last faced each other earlier this year in Serie A, with AC Milan beating Roma 2-1. Goals from Ivorian midfielder Franck Kessie and Croatian forward Ante Rebic secured the win for AC Milan. French midfielder Jordan Veretout scored the consolation goal for Roma.
Predicted Lineups
Roma
Roma will be without left-back Leonardo Spinazzola and English center-back Chris Smalling.
Predicted Line-Up–
Patricio,Karsdorp, Mancini, Ibanez, Vina, Cristante, Veretout, Zaniolo, Pellegrini, Mkhitaryan, Abraham.
AC MILAN
Sami Castillejo and Mike Maignan are injured. There are doubts Junior Messias, Brahim Diaz, Ante Rebic, Alessandro Florenzi, Fode-Ballo Toure
Predicted Line-Up-
Tatarusanu, Calabria, Tomori, Kjaer, Hernandez, Kessie, Bennacer, Saelemaekers, Krunic, Leao, Ibrahimovic
Players to Watch Out For
Ibrahimovic
The striker has been exceptional since his return and made AC Milan into one of the best teams in Italy, looking to rewind the club’s heydays. The Swedish international has played in 48 matches in the last three years and has scored a total of 29 goals
Lorenzo Pellegrini
His main characteristics are his stamina, ball control, movement, flair, and ability to make attacking runs into the penalty area from behind, as well as his eye for goal, and his striking ability from distance with either foot, despite being naturally right-footed. A former central defender in his youth, he is also an effective ball-winner, which enables him to break down possession, while his vision and technical skills allow him subsequently to carry or distribute the ball and provide assists for his teammates.
The EX Chelsea Encounter
Giroud
The French World Cup winner, Olivier Giroud is a newbie to Serie A, after joining the club this summer from Chelsea. He won the UEFA Champions League last year and is one of the most underrated strikers in the World going around, right now. He has hit the ground running for the Rossoneri.
Abraham
The headline arrival has been the £34m signing of Tammy Abraham from Chelsea, leading the line this season following the departure of veteran forward Edin Dzeko to Inter Milan. The player is in a team that he feels wanted and appreciated for the qualities he brings, a young center forward with a credible amount of potential to build their team around and Chelsea once again makes a healthy amount of profit from another Cobham graduate.
Conclusion
This one is a cagey contest in the making; there is not much room for attacking football with these ultra-defensive teams. Both teams have shown tightness at the back this season, a trend that should continue when they meet at the Stadio Olimpico.
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