Juventus vs Roma preview

January 4, 2014
By: Nemanja Lazarevic

Juventus vs RomaSerie A campaign resumes following a short winter break, and we have a real treat on Sunday evening, with leaders Juventus hosting second-placed Roma.

The Giallorossi may be five points behind their more illustrious opponents in the standings, but they remain the only undefeated side in the league this season.

Back to back Serie A trophies nominated Juventus as the main candidate for the new league title, and Antonio Conte’s side certainly did not disappoint.

The early Champions League exit is likely to leave a stain on what could be another very successful season, but we have to say the Old Lady were terribly unfortunate not to make the knockout stages.

However, that is likely to make their job of winning the third successive Serie A title even easier, as witnessed by team’s recent performances.

Juventus opened up a five point lead at the top of the standings thanks to a magnificent run of nine victories on the bounce, and they are priced at 1.70 (7/10) to make it ten in a row.

And having won eight of those nine matches without conceding, the Old Lady are 3.10 (21/10) to defeat Roma to nil.

With Andrea Barzagli likely to recover from a tendon injury, Antonio Conte should have fully fit squad to choose from.

Probable starting line-up (3-5-2): Buffon – Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini – Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Pogba, Asamoah – Llorente, Tevez.

Roma enjoyed a marvellous start to the league campaign, winning first ten matches, but they have since been dislodged from the top by their next opponents.

The run of four straight draws that ensued seriously damaged team’s title hopes, although the Giallorossi did manage to return to the right track.

Roma went on to beat Fiorentina and Catania at home while sharing spoils with AC Milan at San Siro, meaning they are still unbeaten after 17 league fixtures.

And despite conceding just 7 goals in the process, the Giallorossi face an uphill task in Turin, with away win paying 5.60 (23/5).

Boss Rudi Garcia will have key midfielders Daniele De Rossi and Kevin Strootman back from suspension, with Mattia Destro expected to keep his place up front.

Meanwhile, Federico Balzaretti is out injured, whereas Andrea Florenzi is doubtful with a back problem and he is unlikely to start.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): De Sanctis – Maicon, Benatia, Castan, Dodo – Pjanic, De Rossi, Strootman – Gervinho, Totti, Destro.

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