Prediction: Sampdoria vs AS Roma

Verdict: Over 3.5 goals scored – yes

Best Odds: 31/20

Bookmaker: 888sport

Two sides going through opposite runs of form will collide this Sunday in a thrilling Serie A encounter, as Sampdoria will take on AS Roma. While the hosts are dead last in the standings and in dire need of a win to kickstart their season, the Rome-based side are in fifth place of the standings and they know a win would potentially move them closer to the UEFA Champions League qualification zone. Kick-off for this match is slated at 14:00 hrs BST.

Sampdoria

There’s no doubt that Sampdoria have been one of the biggest disappointments of the 2019-20 Serie A season thus far. After flirting with a potential UEFA Europa League berth during most of the 2018-19 season, right now Sampdoria look like one of the biggest candidates to get relegated even though teams have only played seven league matches thus far. Their form has been telling, and Sampdoria currently sit dead last in the standings with only three points thus far after winning one match and losing the remaining six. In fact, they enter this contest on a three-game losing streak. Things have not been better at home, where they own a W1, L2 mark with six goals already conceded. They do not enter this match in the best run of results, but a win here could be just what they need to begin turning things around.

Team News

Midfielder Karol Linetty has been ruled out of this match due to a thigh injury. Gonzalo Maroni (ankle) and Morten Thorsby (undisclosed) are listed as doubtful. Both will require a late-fitness test.

AS Roma

On the other hand, AS Roma have been consistent in their own consistency as they have posted a W3, D3, L1 mark over their first seven matches, but there are some positive signs going for them since they currently are on a two-game undefeated run (W1, D1) and have lost just once in their last five league matches (W3, D1, L1). They currently sit in fifth place of the standings and while a win wouldn’t climb them to fourth place, they would be just one point away from reaching a UEFA Champions League spot. Plus, Roma are undefeated away from Stadio Olimpico this season thanks to a W2, D1 mark on the road, while they have scored four goals and conceded two goals. This bodes quite well for them, but they should have lots of absences due to injury. Can they field a strong team despite their absences?

Team News

Roma will be quite depleted ahead of this contest. Amadou Diawara (knee), Henrikh Mkhitaryan (thigh), Lorenzo Pellegrini (foot) and Cengiz Under (muscle) have all been ruled out. To make things even worst, several players are doubtful. The list includes names such as Edin Dzeko (cheekbone), Diego Perotti (thigh), Davide Zappacosta (knee) and Devid Bouah (knee).

Key Factors to Consider

• Two of Sampdoria’s last three defeats have featured over 2.5 goals scored.
• Sampdoria have conceded two or more goals in every single Serie A defeat this season.
• AS Roma have conceded two or fewer goals in each of their last three matches in all competitions.
• The recent H2H record shows two wins for each side, and one draw.
• Three of those five H2H games have seen both sides scoring, and three have had under 2.5 goals scored as well.

Conclusion

The last H2H meeting here produced five total goals. Considering both teams are in dire need of a win, this should be a very open contest. Therefore, I would expect a game with at least four total goals scored.

Verdict: Over 3.5 goals scored – yes

Best Odds: 31/20

Bookmaker: 888sport