Shakhtar Donetsk vs Roma preview

March 7, 2011
By: Matthew Clarke

Roma face an uphill task in Donetsk after losing the first leg 3:2, but the recent uptrend in form can give them reason for optimism.

The Ukrainians really impressed at Olimpico despite the fact they had not been in competitive action for two months before the game and they are now in a great position to qualify for the next stage.

Shakhtar continued the good run by beating Sevastopol in the league, but somewhat poor performance was the perfect proof that the players were already thinking of the Roma game.

Coach Mircea Lucescu is likely to field the same side that won the first leg, with Fernandinho unlikely to feature as he continues his rehabilitation from a broken leg. Defender Olexandr Kucher remains sidelined.

Following the major struggles under Claudio Ranieri, the arrival of Vincenzo Montella has had a positive effect on the squad, with Roma winning two of their last three games.

Poor atmosphere was the main problem during Ranieri’s reign, so it is little wonder the performances have improved immediately upon Montella’s arrival, and the Italians now have reason to believe they can do something worth noting in the second leg against Shakhtar.

Jeremy Menez and Marco Casseti miss out through suspension, but Francesco Totti is back from a domestic ban. Adriano is the only other unavailable player, while everybody at the club are delighted to see David Pizarro back to his best.

It is little wonder that Shakhtar are hot favourites to go through with Bet365 paying 1.13 (1/8) on Shakhtar to qualify, whereas the odds on Roma to go through are no less than 6.50 (11/2) at Victor Chandler.

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