AS Roma aims for a win against Sheriff Tiraspol, as a win for them could make them secure their spots for the last 16 of the Europa League. These two teams have a huge difference when it comes to their point difference. Roma is currently at the second of their group standings, having 10 points, and two points below the top spot. A win for Roma in this match is crucial for them, as it will book them a ticket at the round-of-16. Meanwhile, for Sheriff, they are just playing for pride, as they are at the bottom of their group standings. Sheriff only earned one point in their campaign, which is why they have nothing to lose coming into this match. The second meeting between Roma and Sheriff is on December 15, 2023, at 1:45 AM (GMT+8).
AS Roma
Roma’s Group G fate is uncertain as they face a playoff against one of eight third-placed finishers from the Champions League’s group stage if they cannot leapfrog Slavia Prague, who lead the table by two points. If they do not beat Sheriff by at least four goals, even one more point could see the Czech club through on Thursday evening. The Giallorossi have won and lost 2-0 against their rivals for top spot earlier in the process, taking four points from Servette. Last weekend, Roma welcomed Fiorentina to the Italian capital on the back of three wins from four league matches. Despite losing both Nicola Zalewski and opening goalscorer Lukaku to red cards, they held out for a 1-1 draw, keeping them inside Serie A’s top four on goal difference.
Jose Mourinho is expected to make several changes to his starting lineup for a crucial league clash against Bologna. Key contenders include Zeki Celik, Edoardo Bove, Andrea Belotti, and Mile Svilar. Suspensions for Nicola Zalewski and Romelu Lukaku apply to Serie A, while Evan N’Dicka must serve a European ban. Tammy Abraham and Marash Kumbulla are recovering from ACL injuries.
Sheriff Tiraspol
Sheriff, a Moldovan football club, has been struggling to catch third-placed Servette in the Group G standings, taking just one point from five games so far. The team’s recent exit from the Champions League preliminaries to Maccabi Haifa and their sixth group stage appearance in UEFA’s second-tier tournament have left them without a chance to reach the last 16. Sheriff, who currently sit top of Moldova’s National Division with 14 wins from 17 matches, have the second-worst defensive record in the competition, conceding 14 goals in five games. They have only won one win in 10 away games in the Europa League, including qualifiers, and have lost three of their last five games across competitions. They have also lost all three meetings against Italian teams in Europe, scoring at least once.
Sheriff will have Gaby Kiki and Armel Zohouri back after suspensions. David Ankeye, on loan from Hammam Sousse, has scored eight goals and provided two assists this season. He should start at Stadio Olimpico, with support from Henrique Luvannor or Ricardinho. Ankeye is linked with FCSB in Romania.
Prediction:
AS Roma (2.5)
Odds: -0.93
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