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Group G’s top two contenders, Roma and Slavia Prague, are set to clash at the Stadio Olimpico in a crucial Europa League fixture.
Both teams are tied at six points each after winning their first two matches, putting them on the path to the knockout stage.
Match Preview
Ever since the arrival of Jose Mourinho at Roma’s Trigoria training facility, the capital-city club has been consistent in UEFA competitions, despite not being a consistent top-four contender in Serie A.
They are the winners of the inaugural Europa Conference League in 2022 and were runners-up in the Europa League last season.
This season, they have kicked off their European campaign with two consecutive wins, scoring six goals in the process.
In their last match, they defeated Servette 4-0, with star striker Romelu Lukaku and captain Lorenzo Pellegrini among the scorers.
Now, Roma is preparing for a double-header against Group G co-leaders, Slavia Prague.
Their recent success in Europe has translated into Serie A, where they have won three consecutive league games, elevating them to the seventh position.
Roma recently triumphed over 10-man Monza, with Stephan El Shaarawy scoring a late goal, and Mourinho adding some characteristic flair to the occasion.
As they prepare to meet top-four rivals Inter Milan this weekend at San Siro, Roma will be hosting Slavia Prague at the Stadio Olimpico.
In 2023, Roma has the most home clean sheets in Serie A, showcasing their formidable defense.
Slavia Prague returns to Rome after nearly three decades since their last encounter in the 1996 UEFA Cup quarter-finals.
Slavia Prague won that tie on away goals after a 3-3 aggregate draw, although they eventually lost to Bordeaux in the semi-finals.
Their strong start in the group phase, with eight goals scored and none conceded, hints at their potential for a deep run in the competition.
Slavia Prague has been unbeaten in the Czech First League, with nine wins and three draws, and their last domestic defeat was in May against arch-rivals Sparta Prague, who currently lead the table by two points.
Form Guide
Roma Europa League form: WW
Roma form (all competitions): DLWWWW
Slavia Prague Europa League form: WDWLWW
Slavia Prague form (all competitions): WDDWW
Team News
Roma’s Renato Sanches is back in training and hopes to feature after recovering from an injury.
However, key players Lorenzo Pellegrini and Paulo Dybala will be unavailable for the match.
Marash Kumbulla and Tammy Abraham remain long-term absentees.
Evan Ndicka and Sardar Azmoun were substituted during their last match due to injuries, but Chris Smalling is expected to make the bench after overcoming his tendonitis problem.
Romelu Lukaku, who has scored seven goals in nine matches since joining Roma on loan, is a key figure in the attack.
Slavia Prague coach Jindrich Trpisovsky is likely to field his strongest available lineup, including Nigerian defender Igoh Ogbu, who has returned to full training.
Slovakia international Jakub Hromada and Petr Sevcik are also back in contention.
In attack, Ivan Schranz and Mojmir Chytil are expected to lead the line.
Possible Starting Lineups
Roma:
Svilar;
Mancini, Llorente, Ndicka;
Celik, Bove, Paredes, Aouar, El Shaarawy;
Belotti, Lukaku
Slavia Prague:
Mandous;
Masopust, Ogbu, Holes;
Doudera, Zafeiris, Dorley, Hromada, Dumitrescu;
Schranz, Chytll
Predictions
In what promises to be their toughest test in Europe this season, Roma is expected to work hard for a fifth consecutive win.
With the support of the Olimpico crowd and a deep squad, Roma is likely to have the edge in the final third.
Prediction: Roma 2-1 Slavia Prague
