Bologna vs Roma predictions for Sunday’s Serie A fixture. A mentor faces their protege on Sunday evening as Bologna hosts Roma at Stadio Dall’Ara, with both teams sharing the same number of points in the Serie A standings. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.
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Match Live Sunday, 17th December at 5:00 pm In:
Bologna vs Roma Predictions
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Strategic Stalemate: Bologna and Roma Vie for Upper Hand in Serie A Showdown
Key Stats
– Roma’s away form has been inconsistent, with two wins and three losses.
– Bologna has not scored against Roma in 325 minutes of league play.
The upcoming clash between Bologna and Roma at Stadio Dall’Ara is poised to be a gripping encounter, with both teams level on points in Serie A. This game represents more than just a battle for league positions; it’s a tactical duel between two astute managers, Jose Mourinho of Roma and Thiago Motta of Bologna.
Our Suggested Best Value Bet For This Match
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Best Value Bet Rationale
El Shaarawy, with an average rating of 7.00, has consistently displayed his attacking prowess throughout the season. His record of 1.3 shots per game, with 0.4 on target, underscores his ability to test opposition goalkeepers. This season, he has already netted twice, affirming his threat in front of goal. His scoring frequency of 283 minutes, combined with his goal conversion rate of 13%, highlights his effectiveness in Roma’s attack.
Given Roma’s current form and the absence of key forwards like Romelu Lukaku and Paulo Dybala due to suspension and injury, El Shaarawy is likely to play a more central role in Roma’s attacking endeavours. His ability to create and take shooting opportunities, especially against a Bologna side that has shown defensive resilience, makes this bet particularly appealing.
Moreover, considering the recent trends in Bologna’s games and Roma’s need to compensate for missing key players, El Shaarawy’s propensity to take shots on goal becomes even more critical. His agility and skill in manoeuvring into shooting positions, combined with his track record this season, suggest a high likelihood of him achieving at least one shot on target, making this betting option an attractive proposition.
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Team Dynamics and Strategies
Bologna has exhibited remarkable form under Motta’s leadership, blending a robust defensive approach with effective counter-attacking football. Their recent 2-1 victory over Salernitana showcased their ability to grind out results. Joshua Zirkzee, the vibrant Dutch striker, has been a pivotal figure, combining clinical finishing with intelligent off-the-ball movement.
Roma, despite their inconsistent away form, cannot be underestimated. Mourinho’s tactical nous often shines in high-stakes games. However, suspensions and injuries, including key players like Romelu Lukaku, pose significant challenges. The absence of Lukaku and Paulo Dybala might see Andrea Belotti spearheading the attack, necessitating a more creative approach from midfield maestros like Lorenzo Pellegrini.
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Key Duels and Gameplay
The midfield battle will be crucial, with Bologna’s Lewis Ferguson and Roma’s Bryan Cristante playing key roles. The game might hinge on which team controls the tempo and transitions from defence to attack more effectively.
Improvement Suggestions and Managerial Insights
For Bologna, maintaining defensive discipline while creating more clear-cut chances would be beneficial. Motta’s tactics have been impressive, but a more proactive approach at home could yield better results.
Mourinho faces criticism for his sometimes overly cautious approach. With an injury-hit squad, he needs to encourage creativity and flexibility in his team’s play, especially in the attacking third.
Expected Lineups and Impact on Gameplay
Bologna’s lineup, led by Zirkzee upfront, indicates a strategy focusing on swift counter-attacks and exploiting Roma’s potential defensive gaps. Roma, with Belotti leading the line, might rely more on building play through midfield, with Pellegrini’s creativity being crucial.
Predictions and Tactical Analysis
- Match Outcome – Draw: Both teams have shown defensive solidity and a tendency to cancel out opponents. Roma’s away form and Bologna’s recent surge suggest a closely contested match, likely ending in a stalemate.
- Correct Score – 1-1: A tight game with both teams scoring seems plausible. Bologna’s home advantage might be offset by Roma’s tactical discipline under Mourinho, leading to an evenly matched scoreline.
- Goalscorer – Joshua Zirkzee: Zirkzee’s form and positioning make him a prime candidate to find the back of the net. His ability to exploit spaces in Roma’s defence, especially with their key defenders missing, enhances his chances of scoring.
- First Half Result – Draw: Given both teams’ cautious approaches in high-profile matches, a goalless first half is likely. Expect a tactical battle with limited risks taken in the opening 45 minutes.
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