Roma travel to Bologna on Sunday looking for their first league win of December.
Paulo Fonseca’s side have gone two league games without scoring for the first time this season, and are also looking to bounce back from a Europa League defeat to CSKA Sofia.
In truth, the team that lost in Bulgaria was not at full strength, and Roma will be able to welcome back some of their key players for their return to domestic action.
For example, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Jordan Veretout are back in the squad after shaking off injuries. Fonseca has confirmed that both will start the game.
Chris Smalling is in a Serie A squad for the first time in over a month after returning to action against CSKA Sofia. It is possible that Bryan Cristante, who was rested for that game, will start in defence instead of him, though.
Fonseca has confirmed Cristante will play from the first minute, but not from which position. Given that he has also said Pellegrini and Veretout will start, it seems likely it will be in defence again.
One player Roma will be without is Pedro, who is suspended after being sent off in the last league game against Sassuolo. His absence means Roma could field Edin Dzeko and Borja Mayoral together for the first time as starters, with just one attacking midfielder – Henrikh Mkhitaryan – in behind.
Embed from Getty ImagesThat is just one solution, though. Roma could stick with their 3-4-2-1, with either Carles Perez keeping his place alongside Mkhitaryan or Pellegrini moving forwards.
There will be a first Serie A start since November for Pau Lopez on his 26th birthday. He has not kept a clean sheet in the league since February, so will be hoping to put that right.
Roma lost their last meeting with Bologna back in February, but won on their last visit to the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara. The aim will be to get three points again so that they can climb back up the table.
The game kicks off at 2pm UK time and will be available to watch live on Free Sports.
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