Palermo vs Roma preview

January 16, 2015
By: Nemanja Lazarevic

Palermo vs RomaHigh-flying Palermo will be looking to put another dent into Roma’s title hopes and possibly join the race for European positions.

The Giallorossi slipped further behind title rivals Juventus as they shared spoils with Lazio, but they did well to come from two goals down and earn one point.

Palermo are enjoying one of the most successful seasons in recent years and they are slowly becoming the most exciting side in Italian Serie A.

Coach Beppe Iachini has given his players plenty of creative freedom and it is hardly surprising the Rosanero have taken part in some enthralling encounters this term.

With Paulo Dybala and Franco Vazquez scoring and creating goals for fun, Palermo have already bagged 30 league goals this term and they are 4.00 (3/1) to defeat Roma on Saturday.

Team’s nine-match unbeaten run may have come to an end as they were defeated by Fiorentina 4-3 last weekend, but the Rosanero can take heart from what was a very good attacking performance even with their top scorer missing.

Paulo Dybala is now set to return from a muscle problem, while Sinisa Andjelkovic and Favio Daprela are back in contention as well.

Probable starting line-up (3-5-2): Sorrentino – Munoz, Gonzalez, Feddal – Morganella, Barreto, Maresca, Rigoni, Lazaar – Vazquez, Dybala.

Roma did really well to keep up with holders Juventus in the first part of the league campaign, and they still believe they will lift the coveted title at the end of the season.

The Giallorossi had some very difficult games to contend with at the turn of the year, but while they defeated Genoa and Udinese on the road, they could not win either of the two home matches.

After AC Milan held Rudi Garcia’s charges to a goalless draw, bitter rivals Lazio looked to be heading for a triumph at Stadio Olimpico, having taken a two-goal lead.

However, Roma produced a very good response, levelling the score through Francesco Totti and even had chances to complete the comeback.

But, having allowed Juventus to create a three-point advantage at the top, the Giallorossi have got to try and win at Renzo Barbera, and they are 2.15 (23/20) to succeed in their quest.

Important midfielders Radja Nainggolan and Daniele De Rossi are banned, whilst Kostas Manolas and Francesco Totti are doubtful. Balzaretti, Castan, Keita and Gervinho remain unavailable.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): De Sanctis – Maicon, Astori, Manolas, Holebas – Florenzi, Strootman, Pjanic – Ljajic, Totti, Iturbe.

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