Prediction: Roma vs Udinese

Verdict: Roma win & Under 4.5 goals

Best Odds: 20/21

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Marking their return from November’s international break on Sunday evening, Roma will welcome Udinese to the Stadio Olimpico.

Roma

Starting with the hosts, while Roma might mark their return from the fortnight break sat just three points adrift of breaking into the top-four, Jose Mourinho’s side do have the feel of a squad seeking a much-needed boost. Heading into November’s international break with a 0-0 stalemate against bitter local rivals Lazio, the former Manchester United boss has seen his side muster just a single win from their previous four appearances across all competitions. Largely crashing back down to earth following their stellar October purple patch, Roma will certainly be excited to make a return to the Stadio Olimpico this weekend. Aside from that 0-0 draw against Lazio earlier in the month, Mourinho’s men have collected 19 points from their previous seven home fixtures across all formats – a run that stems all the way back to September 1st. Despite showing some recent issues in the final third, the Giallorossi should be smelling a golden opportunity here.

Team News

Both still dealing with respective long-term knee injuries, Roma will once again be without the duo of Marash Kumbulla and England international Tammy Abraham. Likewise, not making a single Serie A appearance since way back on September 1st, former Manchester United denier Chris Smalling will not feature on Sunday evening.

Enjoying what has been a stunning free-scoring run since making the move from Premier League giants Chelsea on a season-long loan, Romelu Lukaku will spearhead Mourinho’s charge this weekend. Summer recruit Houssem Aouar will be hoping to make a first start since the start of September.

Udinese

As for the visitors, while Udinese might have sprung a remarkable upset on November 4th as they clinched a famous 1-0 victory away at AC Milan, the Little Zebras have continued to struggle with their consistency. Marking their return from November’s international break looking over their shoulder at a looming relegation scrap and holding just a two-point buffer over the drop zone, Gabriele Cioffi’s side will be bracing themselves for a stern challenge here. Recording just a single win from their first 12 Serie A appearances this season, the one-time Crawley boss should also be concerned by a nightmare record against Sunday’s hosts. Hit with a 3-0 drumming when they last travelled to the Stadio Olimpico back on April 16th, it should also be noted that Udinese have lost each of their previous three trips to Rome by an aggregate score of 7-0.

Team News

All still dealing with long-term injury issues, Udinese will travel to the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday evening without the likes of Kingsley Ehizibue, Gerard Deulofeu and Brenner. Likewise, Cioffi’s side are also expected to be without former Aston Villa striker Keinan Davis this weekend.

Despite bagging just a single Serie A strike this season, ex-Marseille star Florian Thauvin could be handed a recall here. Although former Ajax starlet Lorenzo Lucca might have registered two Serie A strikes this season, the 23-year-old will likely have to settle for a spot on the bench in Rome.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides last met back on April 16th, Roma claimed a routine 3-0 victory at the Stadio Olimpico.
• Udinese have recorded just a single victory from their previous seven appearances on the road.
• Belgian marksman Romelu Lukaku has notched 17 goals for club and country this season.
• Despite heading into November’s international break with a 0-0 stalemate against Lazio, Roma have collected 19 points from their previous seven showdowns at the Stadio Olimpico.
• Udinese have lost their previous three trips to Rome by an aggregate score of 7-0.

Conclusion

While Roma might have entered November’s international break in the midst of a minor wobble, Mourinho’s side will be excited to make a return to the Stadio Olimpico here. Collecting 19 points from their previous seven showdowns on home soil, Sunday’s hosts should be smelling a real opportunity here. With Udinese recording just a single away victory so far this season, the Little Zebras should also be concerned by a nightmare record in Rome. Losing each of their last three trips to the Stadio Olimpico by an aggregate score of 7-0, we are backing a similar home victory here.

Verdict: Roma win & Under 4.5 goals

Best Odds: 20/21

Bookmaker: Olympusbet