Cagliari – AS Roma Soccer Prediction
The heartbreak of the Champions League (CL) exit needs to take a back seat, as Roma (third) remain in the mix for a podium finish. In what should be a formality of a game, they take on a Cagliari side that is still hovering around the relegation zone.
Four points separate Roma from fifth-placed Inter Milan, while they remain tied on points with bitter rivals Lazio. To their credit, Roma haven’t allowed European action to distract them from league commitments, with the side picking up three wins on the trot, scoring nine goals and conceding just twice.
Roma are also the fourth-best team in terms of both goals scored (59) and conceded (28), making them one of the most balanced sides in the league.
The hosts, meanwhile, are fighting for safety with just two points separating them from the relegation zone. One win in seven games (W1, D1, L5) is not an ideal way to confront this situation, and neither is their paltry return of just four goals during that period.
With games against Fiorentina and Atalanta set to come next for Cagliari, this fixture could be ‘make or break’ where the home side is concerned. One win in five home games (W1, D2, L2) isn’t a comforting factor, though.
Players to watch:
Even if Cagliari get relegated, the continued good form of Nicolo Barella (six goals, one assist) might spark a race for his signature.
With four goals in his last three games, Edin Dzeko remains the go-to man where Roma’s push for Champions League football next season is concerned.
Stat attack:
Roma are unbeaten in seven encounters against Cagliari (W5, D2), keeping four clean sheets in the process.
Slow starters – Cagliari have conceded a league-high of ten goals in the opening 15 minutes of play this season.
Betting Prediction: AS Roma
Odds: 1.45
