Udinese Vs. AS Roma Predictions: Krucial Clashes Serie A Central Board Team

Paulo Dybala (right) AS Roma striker who is often a nightmare for Udinse (photo: x @ASRomaEN)

JAKARTA - On Sunday night, January 26, Dacia Arena will witness an interesting meeting between Udinese and AS Roma in Serie A. Both teams are only one point adrift in the standings, where Roma are ninth and Udinese are in tenth position. This match became crucial for both sides, not only to improve their position in the standings but also to build momentum in the middle of the competition season.

After a disappointing 0-1 defeat to AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League, Roma came to Udine with great pressure. The defeat left their chances of qualifying for the knockout stages depending on the final group stage match against Eintracht Frankfurt next week. The interim coach Claudio Ranieri did not hesitate to give sharp criticism of his team's performance at Alkmaar, and he hopes his players can give a positive response to this match.

Although the performance in European competition was unsatisfactory, Roma managed to record a 3-1 win over Genoa in Serie A last weekend. The win brought them up to ninth place, giving a glimmer of hope to improve the season full of inconsistency. However, Roma's away record is a major problem. The Giallorossi has not recorded an away win in Serie A since April 2024, and the match against Udinese is an important opportunity to end the poor record.

Paulo Dybala became Roma's main focus in this match. The Argentine has an outstanding record against Udinese, with direct involvement in 21 goals over 21 games against the Friulani team. In addition, Stephan El Shaarawy, who has six goals against Udinese throughout his career, has the potential to become an additional weapon although his away goal record has been less impressive since May 2023.

Udinese: Threatened Awakening

On the other hand, Udinese was trying to bounce back after a crushing 1-4 defeat to Como on Monday. Prior to the defeat, Kosta Runjaic's team had recorded four games without defeat, including a goalless draw against Atalanta's top team. However, Como's defeat shows several weaknesses in the defense that must be fixed immediately.

Currently, Udinese is in 10th place with 26 points. They have a chance to surpass Roma in the standings if they succeed in winning this match. Although historical records did not side with them Udinese have lost in seven of the last nine meetings against Roma playing at home gave them a little psychological advantage.

Unfortunately, Udinese had to face this game without a number of key players. Kingsley Ehizibue, Keinan Davis, Oier Zarraga, and main goalkeeper Maduka Okeye were sidelined due to injury, while Oumar Solet had to undergo suspension due to the red card he received in the match against Como. Lautaro Giannetti is also doubtful of appearing due to muscle fatigue. With the absence of Solet, Isaak Tore or Christian Kabasele will likely fill the position in the back line with Jaka Bijol, who despite scoring an own goal in Como, remains the mainstay in the Udinese defense.

With the busy schedule facing Roma, Claudio Ranieri is expected to rotate to maintain the fitness of his team. However, the main strike pair Paulo Dybala and Artem Dovbyk will most likely be maintained given the importance of this match. In midfield, Leandro Paredes and Kone are expected to drive the game, while Angelino and Alexis Saelemaekers act as active wings to help attack.

Meanwhile, Udinese will appear in their flagship 3-5-2 formation. The absence of some key players makes the coach of Kosta Runjaic have to rely on players like Florian Thauvin and Lorenzo Lucca up front. Jaka Bijol will lead the back line, with the support of Kristensen and Toure.

Roma have an advantage in individual player qualities such as Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini. Ranieri will most likely instruct her team to take advantage of a quick counter-attack, given the weaknesses of Udinese's defense seen in the match against Como. Angelino and Saelemaekers' aggressive wing games could also be key to opening up space on the opponent's back line.

With the absence of several key players, Udinese needs to play discipline in the back line. Kosta Runjaic is likely to focus on possession in midfield to reduce Roma's pressure. On the front lines, Thauvin and Lucca had to take the slightest chance to score, considering that Roma had weaknesses in defending away matches.

This match is expected to go tight, given the importance of three points for both teams. Roma has an advantage in terms of individual player quality and a better historical record against Udinese. However, poor away records are an obstacle they must overcome.

Meanwhile, Udinese will try to take advantage of the advantage of playing at home even though they lose some key players. If they are able to play disciplined and take advantage of the opportunities they have, it is not impossible that the Friulani team can secure at least one point.

Estimated Lineup Of Players

Roma (3-4-2-1):Svilar; Mancini,ploys, Ndicka; Saelemaekers, Kone, Paredes, Angelino; Pellegrini, Dybala; Dovbyk.

Udinese (3-5-2): Salvador; Kristensen, Bijol, Toure; Modesto, Lovric, Karlstrom, Payero, Kamara; Thauvin, Lucca.

Score Prediction: Udinese 1-2 Roma.