Genoa vs AS Roma

Genoa return home to host AS Roma looking to finally put an end to their current 5 match winless run. Genoa were last able to claim 3 points from a match back during the first week of October when they held serve over Cagliari by a score of 2-0 at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris. This poor spell has seen Gian Piero Gasperini’s side fall to 12^th in the Serie A league table. They will be hosting a Roma outfit who will be playing only their second match of the month given the tragic events of 2 weeks ago.

At the time of the postponement of their match, the giallorossi were on a 5 match unbeaten run which had included a 4 match win streak up to their 2-2 draw away to Empoli. That makes this weeks contest away to Genoa their second consecutive away match. They come into this match in 3^rd place of Serie A with 22 points from 11 matches. They are just 1 point behind 2^nd place Fiorentina with 1 match in hand. Meanwhile, Genoa have 14 points from 12 matches and are just behind AC Milan on goal difference.

The two week break for international matches was beneficial for Il Grifone as they are expected to be at full strength for this match. With everyone available Gasperini is considering just one modification at this time with respect to the starting eleven and that would be to include Coppola as the inside right midfield in place of Sculli. Genoa would then go with a 3-5-2 formation Leon and Borriello upfront.

The same cannot be said for Roma this week in terms of injuries. Despite not having played a match in almost 3 weeks, the injury woes are plentiful for Spalletti. Among the notables still out injured are Francesco Totti, Aquilani and Taddei. In addition, French defender Mexes is still recovering from the head injury he suffered in training back on the 6^th of November and the Roma medical staff do not want to take any chances with a injury of that nature. The most likely combination of center back for Roma will see the Brazilian Juan team up with Ferrari in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Vucinic as the lone striker while Max, Giuly and Mancini play just behind.

Genoa have not been too strong at home this season and have managed just 2 victories. Meanwhile, Roma are undefeated in 6 road matches. Despite all the injuries on the visiting side, look for Roma to at least be able to hold out for the draw.

Prediction: Draw (1-1)