Verdict: Roma win
Best Odds: 2/5
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Knowing that they can move within touching distance of the Champions League spots on Saturday night, Roma will welcome Verona to the Stadio Olimpico.
Roma
Starting with the hosts, while Roma might have watched their Europa League adventure come to an end last month following a 4-3 aggregate defeat against Spanish outfit Athletic Bilbao, Claudio Ranieri’s men are enjoying what has been a major domestic romp. Skyrocketing their way up the Serie A standings, the Wolves will know that they can move within touching distance of the Champions League places this weekend. Coming from behind last week as they snatched a 1-1 stalemate against arch-rivals Lazio, the former Leicester boss has not seen his squad suffer a single defeat from any of their previous 16 consecutive Serie A appearances – a purple patch that stems all the way back to December 15th. With the mood in their camp at a red-hot high, Roma will be smelling another golden opportunity here.
Roma Team News
Suffering a thigh injury while away with Saudi Arabia during March’s international break, Roma are once again expected to be without Saud Abdulhamid on Saturday night. However, aside from the former Al-Hilal defender, Ranieri’s camp have reported a clean bill of health and have no fresh injury concerns.
Returning to Roma’s squad last weekend, Argentinian superstar Paulo Dybala could make a first Serie A appearance since March 16th. Announcing his retirement ahead of the summer, veteran defender Mats Hummels could be handed a full recall at the heart of Ranieri’s defence.
Verona
As for the visitors, while Verona might have headed into March’s international break with a 1-0 victory away at Udinese, the Mastiffs have drastically struggled to find any kind of stability. Almost sat in Serie A limbo, Paolo Zanetti’s men have mustered just a sole win from any of their previous six appearances. Eventually forced to settle for a 0-0 stalemate at home against Genoa last weekend, Saturday’s guests will be bracing themselves for another stern examination here. However, despite travelling to the Stadio Olimpico this weekend pencilled in as a landslide underdog, Zanetti’s side will be excited by their most recent showdown against Roma. Landing a sensational 3-2 victory when they welcomed the Wolves to Veneto for their reverse Serie A meeting on November 3rd, the former Empoli boss will be dreaming of a similar upset.
Verona Team News
Still dealing with a long-term knee injury and not making a single appearance so far this calendar year, Morocco International Abode Harroui remains on the sidelines. Suffering with a recent hamstring injury, former Lille starlet Cheikh Niasse is not expected to feature on Saturday night.
Despite only notching a quartet of Serie A strikes after completing a loan switch from Lyon last summer, Amin Sarr will keep his spot leading the line in Rome. One-time Norwich midfielder Ondrej Duda should be partnered with Antoine Bernede in the middle of the park.
Key Factors to Consider
- When Roma and Verona met for their reverse Serie A showdown on November 3rd, Saturday’s guests collected a shock 3-2 victory in Veneto.
- However, Roma not seen his squad suffer a single defeat from any of their previous 16 consecutive Serie A appearances – a purple patch that stems all the way back to December 15th.
- Verona have ed just a single victory from their previous six Serie A appearances.
- Roma have not suffered a single defeat at the Stadio Olimpico since the start of December.
- Verona have failed to notch more than a single strike in any of their last 14 consecutive appearances.
Conclusion
Knowing that they can move within touching distance of the Champions League places here, Roma will be smelling a golden opportunity here. Enjoying what has become a sensational Serie A romp and unbeaten in all of their last 16 consecutive top-flight appearances, Saturday’s hosts are rightfully pencilled in as a standout contender. Despite falling to an action-packed 3-2 loss when they travelled to Verona back in November, we are expecting a home victory.
Verdict: Roma win
Best Odds: 2/5
Bookmaker: Dachbet
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