Juventus vs Roma
2016/17 Italian Serie A.
Date: Saturday, 17 December 2016
Kick-Off: 19:45 UK,
Venue: Juventus Stadium (Turin).
Similarly, AS Roma has prepared for this game well justified by their three straight wins, most notably beating AC Milan in the last game. This is a must-win game for the Giallorossi as they can move just a point behind Juventus on the league table. But a loss means they will be seven points behind the leaders and a step back in their march for the Seria A title.
Team News: Juventus
Juventus supremo Massimiliano Allegri is reportedly considering switching from three-man to four-man defense in order to give more freedom to creative midfielder Miralem Pjanic between midfield and attack. However, the former Roma star is racing against time to be fit for this crucial match.
Miralem Pjanic (L) of Juventus FC celebrates a goal with team mate Sami Khedira.
Juventus has near full squad fit, barring the absence of Dani Alves and Leonardo Bonucci, for this game. So, Allegri will have to make some tough decisions in order to address the playing demands of his key players. It will be interesting to see if Paulo Dybala starts alongside Gonzalo Higuain in attack.
Striker Mario Mandzukic has been playing well in recent games. So, there will be unhappy faces whatever Max Allegri chooses in his lineup in this game.
Juventus: Predicted Line-up (4-2-3-1)
Buffon – Sandro, Chiellini, Rugani, Lichtsteiner – Sturaro, Khedira, Marchisio – Mandzukic, Higuain, Cuadrado
Team News: Roma
Bruno Peres was injured in the last match. So, manager Luciano Spalletti will not be able to count on the Brazilian winger-cum-right-back, reports Italian Football Daily. Antonio Rudiger may be used to deputize at right-back once again.
Egyptian winger Mohamed Salah was ruled out previously until February, but he has recovered quicker than expected. However, it will be too soon for him to play against the Old Lady.
Roma: Predicted Line-up (3-4-1-1)
Szczesny – Manolas, Fazio, Rudiger – Emerson, De Rossi, Strootman, Peres – Perotti – Nainggolan, Dzeko
Juventus vs Roma: Head-to-head statistics
Juventus have won their last five Serie A ties with Roma at Juventus Stadium.
During that run they have scored 15 and conceded just three goals.
The Bianconeri have a 100 per cent win record in their past 20 home games against teams ranked below them in the table.
Roma have a record of W9-D4-L7 in their last 20 away games against teams in the top half of the table.
Juventus have scored at least two goals in their last 12 Serie A home games.
The Giallorossi have won just three out of their last 22 meetings with Juventus (five draws, 14 losses).
Juventus have netted at least one goal in 21 out of their last 22 games against Roma.
The only time they have failed to score was back in February 2013, when they lost 1-0.
There have been over 2.5 goals scored in Juve’s last nine matches
Juventus vs Roma: Prediction
It may not be a derby, but Juventus vs. Roma has become a pretty big clash of its own due to the Giallorossi attempting to establish themselves as a serious title contender as of late. Juventus currently enjoy a four point lead over Roma, which means that win, lose, or draw, they will still be on top of the Serie A table. However, with a potentially tricky Supercoppa Italiana tie with Milan coming up, Massimiliano Allegri’s men will want to head into the Christmas hiatus still enjoying a more comfortable lead over the chasing pack.
A win for Juve will give them a seven point lead at the midway point, something that will certainly bolster their chances at making it a sixth straight Scudetto this May. In terms of outcome, Roma’s attack is among the strongest in the division, and they will be expected to find a way to score. Still, the Lupi have a lousy record at this ground and overall their away form is not as favorable as their showings at the Stadio Olimpico. Expect both teams to score in what could be a tense tactical battle, but ultimately the Bianconeri should be able to get at least a point from this one.
Juventus vs Roma: Betting tips
Both teams to score – YES at 7/9 (1.77)
Over 2.5 goals at 4/5 (1.80)
Juventus – WIN at 4/5 (1.80).
