PREDICTED LINE-UPS | Roma v Juventus

Roma host Juventus later today in what could be a massive game, when it comes to the top four picture in Serie A. A win for the Giallorossi could take them into the top four once again, but a win for Juve will reduce the gap between themselves and the top four to just nine points.

Juve’s points deduction has harmed them, but they have lost just once since it was imposed and if not for that deduction, they would have been second in the table. There is certainly hope that Paul Pogba’s return propels them further.

Sky Italia don’t expect the Frenchman to start in midfield, but his compatriot Adrien Rabiot should start, alongside Nicolo Fagioli and Manuel Locatelli. The duo of Dušan Vlahović and Angel di Maria should also start for Massimiliano Allegri’s side.

As for Roma, there was talk about Lorenzo Pellegrini potentially being a doubt but he is expected to start. While Chris Smalling was suspended for the game against Cremonese, he should be back today. Nemanja Matić is expected to start alongside Bryan Cristante in midfield, with Georginio Wijnaldum to start from the bench.

Roma predicted line-up: Rui Patricio; Mancini, Smalling, Ibanez; Karsdorp, Matic, Cristante, Spinazzola; Pellegrini, Dybala; Abraham

Juventus predicted line-up:  Szczesny; Danilo, Bremer, Alex Sandro; Cuadrado, Fagioli, Locatelli, Rabiot, Kostic; Di Maria, Vlahovic.

Kaustubh Pandey | GIFN