Roma are still seeking their first win of the season as they host Udinese in a Serie A fixture on Sunday. Both teams have not been particularly convincing at the back and could be set to produce goals in this one.
After a string of fine performances following the appointment of Daniele De Rossi as manager last season, Roma were supposed to kick-on this term. However, they have struggled to find their best form so far and are still winless after four matches, a run that has now led resulted in the sacking of the boss.
The problem for Roma is that they have been plagued by too many draws having been held in three of their four matches so far. They played out a 1-1 scoreline at Genoa last time out with Artem Dovbyk finally breaking his duck.
There has been a stark contrast to Udinese’s campaign so far as they are unbeaten this season. Following a 1-1 draw with Bologna in their opening fixture Kosta Runjaic’s men have gone on to win their last three matches and are currently top of the standings.
Udinese showed great character to fight back from two goals down to claim a 3-2 victory in their previous fixture. Lorenzo Lucca’s effort set them on their way while a brace from Florian Thauvin completed the turnaround.
How the bookies view it: Roma still fancied
Despite their poor start to the season, Roma are still considered overwhelming favourites among the bookies at 7/10 with Betfred. A victory for Udinese is valued at 18/5 while Betfred is also offering odds of 3/1 for a draw.
Head to head: Roma on top
Roma have a 37-17 advantage with 12 draws from 66 previous matches against Udinese. The capital club have also won the last three meetings and triumphed 2-1 in the most recent fixture back in May.
Players to watch: Dovbyk on the money
Dovbyk is finally off the mark for Roma and will be looking to go on a scoring run. The Ukrainian striker could be worth keeping an eye on and is priced at 7/5 by Betfred to get on the score sheet on Sunday.
Thauvin has been one of the standout players for Udinese this season, scoring three goals in four matches. The attacker was also on target at the Stadio Olimpico last season and is priced at 16/5 by Betfred to find the net on Sunday.
Probable line-ups
Enzo Le Fee remains the only absentee for Roma with the midfielder still sidelined with injury. Lorenzo Pellegrini was a second half substitute at Genoa and could return to the starting line-up while Dovbyk should continue to lead the line.
Udinese remain without Alexis Sanchez and Gérard Deulofeu, who are still sidelined with injury. Jurgen Ekkelenkamp could be handed a start after being a part of Udinese’s second half fight back last time out while Thauvin and Lucca should continue in attack.
Roma: Svilar, Celik, Ndicka, Mancini, Angelino, Kone, Paredes, Cristante, Pellegrini, Dybala, Dovbyk
Udinese: Okoye, Ehizibue, Brenner, Bijol, Gianetti, Kamara, Ekkelenkamp, Karlstrom, Lovric, Thauvin, Lucca
Anything else catch the eye?
The last meeting at the Stadio Olimpico produced over 3.5 goals, which is priced at 11/4 with Betfred. Over 2.5 goals is priced at evens with Betfred, who is also offering odds of 10/11 on both teams to score.
Both teams have had a few late showings this season, so the second half could be tipped to produce more goals at 21/20 with Betfred.
This Serie A match between Roma and Udinese will be played on Sep 22, 2024 and kick off at 17:00. Check below for our tipsters best Roma vs Udinese prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
