GIALLOROSSI YORKSHIRE BLOG
In just a few hours’ time, Roma could have qualified for the Champions League knockout stages.
Before they can start thinking about the Round of 16 though, they need to finish the job with a win over Qarabag tonight. It’s simple: win and Roma are through. Here’s what to expect along the way. A Full Strength Line Up Even though Qarabag are the group minnows, they have shown they can be a difficult obstacle to overcome - securing two draws against Atletico Madrid. With so much riding on a Roma victory today, expect Eusebio Di Francesco to field a full-strength lineup. Radja Nainggolan and Diego Perotti - who both missed the weekend win over SPAL - have returned to the squad, and could go straight into the starting lineup. Early Roma Onslaught In the reverse fixture in Azerbaijan, Roma took control of the game early on, getting two goals within the opening fifteen minutes. A similar approach tonight will relieve some of the pressure the players may feel - if they can get goals early, they can see the rest of the game out comfortably. Knockout Stage Qualification Let’s be honest - it’s highly unlikely Qarabag will stage an upset. Roma have been solid against the group’s tougher opponents (save for the defeat to Atletico in the last matchday) and there is absolutely no reason they cannot carry this over to tonight’s game. As long as Roma win, progression to the next round is guaranteed. And even better, if Atletico beat Chelsea (which is very possible, given the Spaniards need to win to stand any chance of qualifying), Roma will emerge from Group C as champions. A professional performance from the Giallorossi tonight can help ensure this happens. After coming this far, beating all the odds, it’s time to now go and do what is expected - get the win and deal a place in the Round of 16.
1 Comment
Amos
5/12/2017 06:32:27 pm
I hope that we keep character and mental fortitude. January will a tough month for the Giallorossi so having the CL knockout to look forward to will be good motivation. Momentum, momentum, momentum.
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samuel bannister
Founder and editor of Giallorossi Yorkshire, who is also a columnist for Roma's official website about the women's team. Categories
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