Football fans are gearing up for an exciting clash as Udinese vs AS Roma take center stage this Sunday in Serie A. With both teams eyeing a crucial three points, the matchup promises intense action and drama. Roma, fighting to build consistency, will face a determined Udinese side seeking redemption after recent struggles. Here’s an in-depth look at this fixture, covering team news, predicted lineups, injuries, and analysis.
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The Udinese vs AS Roma clash sees two mid-table teams with much at stake. Roma sits just above Udinese in the Serie A standings, holding a narrow one-point lead. Claudio Ranieri’s team has shown improvement in domestic performance since his appointment, but their poor away form remains a significant concern. On the flip side, Udinese’s form has dipped after a promising start to the season, going winless in their last four games.
For Udinese, home support at the Dacia Arena will be vital despite their recent struggles. Meanwhile, Roma will aim to translate their positive domestic momentum into ending their away game woes, having gone 13 Serie A matches without a win on the road.
Predictions for Udinese vs AS Roma
Considering Rome’s dismal away record and Udinese’s resilience at home, a tightly contested battle is expected. Both teams are dealing with key injuries but will likely field strong lineups. The historical head-to-head data favors Roma, who have won their last four Serie A meetings against Udinese.
Prediction: A 1-1 draw seems the likeliest outcome, with goals from the ever-reliable Paulo Dybala for Roma and Florian Thauvin for Udinese.
Predicted Lineups
With players battling injuries and suspensions, both teams are expected to make minor adjustments to their starting XIs. Here are the predicted lineups for Udinese vs AS Roma:
Udinese Predicted XI (3-5-2):
- Goalkeeper: Sava
- Defenders: Kristensen, Jaka Bijol, Isaak Touré
- Midfield: Modesto, Lovric, Karlstrom, Payero, Kamara
- Forwards: Thauvin, Lucca
Unavailable: Oumar Solet (suspended), Maduka Okoye, Kingsley Ehizibue, Keinan Davis (injured)
Questionable: Oier Zarraga, Lautaro Giannetti
AS Roma Predicted XI (3-5-1-1):
- Goalkeeper: Svilar
- Defenders: Mancini, Hummels, Ndicka
- Midfield: Saelemaekers, Paredes, Kone, Angelino, Pellegrini
- Forwards: Dybala, Dovbyk
Unavailable: Bryan Cristante (injured)
No other injury concerns or suspensions reported.
Team News and Injury Updates
Udinese Team News
Udinese faces a challenging situation with several key players sidelined due to injuries. Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and defender Oumar Solet are notable absentees, along with forward Keinan Davis. Their backline adjustments will rely on Isaak Touré stepping in for the suspended Oumar Solet. Udinese’s Florian Thauvin and Lorenzo Lucca will shoulder the attacking responsibilities.
AS Roma Team News
Roma travels without Bryan Cristante, whose absence from midfield could hurt their defensive stability. However, Claudio Ranieri has a relatively healthy squad at his disposal. The star-studded duo of Paulo Dybala and Artem Dovbyk is expected to lead the attack. Dybala, in particular, has a phenomenal record against Udinese, being directly involved in 21 goals in as many games against them.
Head-to-Head Analysis
Looking at recent results, Udinese vs AS Roma games have typically favored the Giallorossi. Roma has won 19 out of their last 23 games against Udinese, including the last four matches in Serie A. However, things look different this season, as Udinese remains a tough opponent, especially at home, if they can contain Roma’s attacking threats.
Key Players to Watch
- Paulo Dybala (Roma): With his impeccable form against Udinese and recent domestic success, Dybala is a player the Bianconeri defense must closely monitor.
- Florian Thauvin (Udinese): A creative spark in Udinese’s attack, Thauvin has been the key to their offensive plays and could unlock Roma’s defense.
Detailed Match Information Table
| Category | Udinese | AS Roma |
|---|---|---|
| Current Serie A Rank | 11th (26 points) | 9th (27 points) |
| Last 5 Matches | L, W, D, D, L | W, D, W, D, W |
| Top Scorers | Lorenzo Lucca (7) | Artem Dovbyk (7) |
| Suspensions | Oumar Solet | None |
| Unavailable Players | Okoye, Davis, Ehizibue | Cristante |
| Venue | Dacia Arena, Udine | N/A |
| Date & Kickoff | January 26, 2025, 2 PM UK | N/A |
Final Thoughts
The Udinese vs AS Roma clash promises to be a tactical showdown as both teams vie for three crucial points. Roma’s historical dominance over Udinese could play a critical role, but their road woes and Udinese’s home advantage make this contest an unpredictable one. Prepare for a captivating fixture filled with grit, strategy, and moments of brilliance.
Roma’s recent surge under Claudio Ranieri and their star players’ success could provide them the edge, but Udinese will aim to utilize their physicality and fighting spirit to frustrate their visitors. Will Roma finally break their away drought, or can Udinese pull off an upset? Stay tuned for all the action!