Roma vs. Bologna: Preview & Predicted Lineups | OneFootball

Hoping to build on last week’s progression into the Europa League semi-finals, Roma return to league play on Monday when they host Bologna in a high stakes showdown at the Stadio Olimpico.

In a battle between fifth-placed versus fourth, Monday’s match carries significant implications for both teams as they vie for a top-four finish. Despite Serie A locking up an extra Champions League place for next season, both teams are trailed closely by Atalanta—leaving little room for error.

Kick-off is scheduled for 18.30 CET on Monday evening at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.

Roma

Roma are riding high coming into Monday as their resurgence under manager Daniele De Rossi continued last week thanks to back-to-back Europa League wins over Milan.

After losing both league fixtures against the Rossoneri this season, the capital club handled the proceedings over both legs and deservedly punched their ticket to the semi-finals where they’ll face Bayer Leverkusen. The win also improved De Rossi’s record with the club to a stellar 12W, 3D, and 2L across all competitions.

With Europa League progression secure, Roma’s attention shifts back to Serie A as they face a critical week of games in their bid to return to the Champions League next season. Sitting fifth in the standings and with a match in-hand, Roma have a chance to erase Bologna’s four-point gap this week since they complete the final 20 minutes of their suspended match against Udinese on Thursday.

As for his squad, De Rossi confirmed Romelu Lukaku won’t be available to face Bologna—meaning Tammy Abraham is in-line to make his very first start of the season since recovering from his torn ACL injury earlier this month. They’ll also be without Evan Ndicka as he recovers from the partially collapsed lung he suffered against Udinese.

Bologna

On the opposite side, visitors Bologna are motivated to continue their fairytale campaign and surge towards their first-ever Champions League qualification and appearance.

Undoubtedly the surprise of the season, a win Monday would allow Thiago Motta’s side to extend their lead over the Giallorossi and strengthen their grasp on fourth place and put them just two points from third-placed Juventus. Notably, Bologna have only lost once in their previous 12 league fixtures and suffered only 1 defeat in their last 5 games against Roma.

“Roma are a high caliber opponent, built for competing for important objectives,” Motta told reporters prior to the game.”We will try to impose our game with great respect for the opponent. They are a strong team that won again against Milan the other night, and earned the chance to face Bayer Leverkusen in the semi-finals.”

The Rossoblu will be forced to switch things up due to losing star-man Lewis Ferguson for the remainder of the season after he tore his ACL against Monza. The Scottish international’s absence could weigh heavily on Bologna given his significant influence on their attacking efforts.

PREDICTED LINEUPS

ROMA (4-3-2-1): Svilar; Karsdorp, Mancini, Llorente, Angelino; Cristante, Paredes, Pellegrini; Dybala, El Shaarawy; Abraham

Unavailable: Romelu Lukaku, Evan Ndicka

BOLOGNA (4-2-3-1): Skorupski; Posch, Lucumi, Calafiori, Kristiansen; Aebischer, Freuler; Orsolini, Fabbian, Saelemaekers; Zirkzee

Unavailable: Lewis Ferguson, Jens Odgaard, Adama Soumaoro