Roma AZ Alkmaar Europa League Starting XI

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Post on Jan 24, 2025

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Roma vs. AZ Alkmaar Europa League: Predicting the Starting XI's and Key Battles

Hey football fans! So, the Europa League is heating up, and we've got a cracking match-up this week: AS Roma versus AZ Alkmaar. These two teams are known for their attacking flair, and I, for one, am stoked to see how this one plays out. Let's dive into predicting the starting XIs and some key battles to watch. I'll be honest, I've gotten some lineups totally wrong in the past – remember that time I thought Xhaka would start for Arsenal? Ouch. But hey, that's part of the fun, right?

Roma's Likely Starting XI

Predicting Roma's lineup is always a bit of a guessing game, especially with Mourinho's tactical flexibility. But based on recent form and injuries (always a big factor!), I reckon we'll see something like this:

• Goalkeeper: Rui Patrício – Solid, experienced, and a reliable presence between the sticks. He's crucial for Roma's defensive solidity. Absolutely essential.
• Defenders: Mancini, Smalling, Ibanez – A pretty standard back three for Roma. They'll need to be on their toes against AZ's attacking threats. Speed and communication will be key here.
• Wing-backs: Spinazzola, Zalewski – These guys provide the width and attacking impetus from the flanks. Spinazzola's pace is a serious weapon, and Zalewski's got some sneaky skills.
• Midfielders: Cristante, Pellegrini, Bove – A mix of experience and youth in the middle. Pellegrini's creativity will be vital in unlocking AZ's defense. Cristante provides the defensive shield, and Bove adds energy.
• Forwards: Dybala, Abraham – This is where the magic happens. Dybala's elegance and Abraham's clinical finishing are a potent combination. Hopefully, they're both firing on all cylinders.

AZ Alkmaar's Anticipated Starting XI

AZ Alkmaar, they’re a tricky opponent. They play some exciting football. Their style is much more direct than Roma's, so expect a very different game.

• Goalkeeper: Verhulst – He's a young keeper with potential, but he'll need to be at his best against Roma's attacking firepower.
• Defenders: Hatzidiakos, Beukema, Wijndal – A strong defensive unit, but they'll face a tough test against Dybala and Abraham.
• Midfielders: Midtsjø, Clasie, Reijnders – This midfield trio will need to be disciplined and work hard to break up Roma's play. Stopping Pellegrini will be a huge task.
• Forwards: Pavlidis, Karlsson – Pace and directness. These two will be looking to exploit any space left behind by Roma's wing-backs.

Key Battles to Watch

This match is packed with potential head-to-heads. I'm particularly interested in:

• Dybala vs. Midtsjø: Can Midtsjø keep a lid on Dybala's brilliance? It's a huge question.
• Abraham vs. Hatzidiakos: Can Abraham outmuscle Hatzidiakos to get goals? A classic striker vs. centre-back battle.
• Spinazzola vs. Karlsson: This could be a race down the wing. Pace against pace! Could be a huge factor.

My Prediction

It’s going to be a close one, I reckon. Roma has the slight edge in terms of overall quality and experience, but AZ Alkmaar's attacking threat and energy shouldn’t be underestimated. I’m predicting a 2-1 win for Roma. But hey, this is football, and anything can happen. Enjoy the game! Let me know your predictions in the comments below. And don’t forget to follow me for more Europa League previews!