Prediction: Atletico Madrid vs AS Roma

Verdict: AS Roma not to lose

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: 888sport

Atletico Madrid need to win both remaining fixtures to stand any chance of reaching the knockout stages, and no doubts they will be under pressure when facing red-hot AS Roma. The Giallorossi have won last six games in all competitions and currently lead the chase in Group C, but they will want to win in Madrid in order to cement the first place in the standings.

Atletico Madrid

This is the first season after quite a while that has seen Atletico Madrid struggle on the European stage as Diego Simeone’s charges would reach the final stages of the competition in the previous years. This term they were placed in a difficult group with Premier League leaders Chelsea and Serie A high-flyers AS Roma, but it was poor results in double header vs minnows Qarabag that will end up costing los Colchoneros dearly. Atletico Madrid could only pick up two points from as many matches against the Azeri side, while sharing spoils with AS Roma and losing to Chelsea, so they have nobody else to blame but themselves for almost certain exit from the competition. The poor form of star striker Antoine Griezmann, as well as other forwards, is proving a major issue as while the team remain solid at the back, they are simply not scoring enough goals at the moment. Having won just two of last ten matches in all competitions, los Colchoneros are clearly low on confidence and it remains to be seen whether they can show the sort of improvement that is needed to defeat in-form AS Roma.

Team News

Diego Simeone will have fully fit squad to select from, although Montenegrin defender Stefan Savic misses out through suspension.



AS Roma

Many were surprised to see AS Roma chiefs sack Luciano Spalletti after the former Udinese boss had largely impressed at Stadio Olimpico, but that may ultimately prove a very good decision. His successor Eusebio Di Francesco, arguably one of Europe’s most talented coaches, has done incredibly well since arriving from Sassuolo, with his team impressing in both Serie A and the Champions League. Following the derby win over local rivals Lazio, AS Roma occupy fourth place in the league standings, sitting five points behind leaders Napoli, albeit with a game in hand. Meanwhile, the Giallorossi are on the verge of securing their place in the Champions League knockout stages, as they are five points clear of third-placed Atletico Madrid with two games to go. AS Roma will, however, attempt to win at Wanda Metropolitano and ensure they remain ahead of second-placed Chelsea, and this is clearly a good time to be facing out-of-sorts los Colchoneros. With six wins and a draw in seven away fixtures this season, the Giallorossi definitely have reason for optimism ahead of the trip to Madrid.

Team News

Radja Nainggolan may not be risked after playing through the pain against Lazio, while Kostas Manolas and Alessandro Florenzi could be rested as well.

Key Factors to Consider

• Atletico won just two of last ten games (D7 L1)
• AS Roma on a six-match winning run
• The Giallorossi won six of seven away games this term (D1)
• AS Roma scored 17 goals in those 7 matches
• The two teams played out a goalless draw at Stadio Olimpico

Conclusion

Atletico Madrid have largely struggled for form of late and they will be under pressure given the five-point gap behind their next opponents. AS Roma, on the other hand, have been thoroughly impressive in recent months and we are backing them to take at least one point from the match.

Verdict: AS Roma not to lose

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: 888sport