Everything hinges on a dramatic finale at Stadio Olimpico on Thursday, when Roma host Ludogorets Razgrad.
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While the Serie A side fell 2-1 in Bulgaria on the opening day and are equal on points with their opponents ahead of this week’s return, they can leapfrog them into second place with a win; Ludogorets must only avoid loss.
Match preview
Accustomed to high-stakes continental encounters, having gone all the way to the final and won last season’s inaugural Europa Conference League, Jose Mourinho’s Roma will face another must-win moment when the Bulgarian champions arrive in Italy’s capital.
After Tammy Abraham’s header and an Arttu Hoskonen own goal earned three precious points in Group C, Roma returned to domestic action on Monday night, and a dramatic late comeback saw them snatch victory against Verona – young Cristian Volpato scoring in the 88th minute, before Stephan El Shaarawy secured a 3-1 win in stoppage time.
Following his side’s 1-0 defeat to undisputed group winners Real Betis last week, Ludogorets coach Ante Simundza claimed the better side had lost; nevertheless, taking no points from two fixtures with the Seville club has left their qualification for the next phase in a perilous position.
Although they currently sit five points behind Bulgarian First League leaders CSKA Sofia, the Eagles have two games in hand on their closest rivals and have won each of their last four domestic matches – including a crucial 2-1 success over CSKA.
Team News
Roma are set to make several changes to their lineup in midweek, as Sunday’s Rome Derby takes precedence, yet Jose Mourinho will also be keen to progress in Europe.
Still without Paulo Dybala due to injury, the Giallorossi also have Georginio Wijnaldum and Leonardo Spinazzola sidelined, with the latter’s absence opening the door for Nicola Zalewski to feature on the left flank.
Cristian Volpato could be rewarded for his recent impact on the first team by earning another start in support of the hosts’ main striker, which may be Andrea Belotti if Tammy Abraham is rested ahead of the weekend.
Meanwhile, Mady Camara and Nemanja Matic battle it out for a place in midfield.
Ludogorets boss Ante Simundza is expected to name a similar side to that which lost against Betis last time out, with Thiago leading the line up front, though Kiril Despodov and Matias Tissera are both pushing for a start too.
Another Brazilian, Cauly, scored the opening goal when these side last met, back in early September, and should take up an advanced midfield role on Thursday.
Possible starting lineup:
| Roma | Ludogorets |
|---|---|
| Patricio, Rui | Padt, Sergio |
| Smalling, Chris | Verdon, Olivier |
| Mancini, Gianluca | Nedyalkov, Anton |
| Ibanez, Roger | Cicinho |
| Spinazzola, Leonardo | Plastun, Igor |
| Cristante, Bryan | Piotrowski, Jakub |
| Pellegrini, Lorenzo | Cauly |
| Matic, Nemanja | Show |
| Abraham, Tammy | Tekpetey, Bernard |
| Dybala, Paulo | Lima, Rick |
| Zalewski, Nicola | Nascimento Rodrigues, Igor Thiago |
Probabilities
Roma = 42.3%
Draw = 24.2%
Ludogorets = 33.5%
Prediction
Roma 1-1 Ludogorets
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