Juventus-AS Roma
Football: Italian Seria A
Saturday, 23rd January 2010. Kickoff 20:45

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Juventus

Ciro Ferrara has been under immense pressure ever since his fairy tale start to the season had gone bad (c).Still Juventus' board is in no rush to get rid of their former star defender.There is something to this rigidness, in my opinion.Perhaps president Jean-Claud Blanc gets inspiration from Franck Rajkaard's case in Barcelona, when triumphant coach was struggling big time with Blaugrana upon his debut.

If to look at the situation in Juve camp more closely, one would understand that the current problems are not entirely Ferrara's fault. Who is to blame that Diego is not living up to expectations and is still going through the adaptation period? The same goes to his compatriot Felipe Melo, who was regarded as a super hot prospect following his summer move from Florence, and is continually under performing.

The lenghty injury list leaves Ferrara with no options to shuffle the starting 11. Most notable and significant missings include Iaquinta, Camoranesi, Caceres, Trezeguet, Giovinco, Poulsen, Marrone, Grygera. This means 50% of the back line is out in the face of Caceres and Grygera.

Good news have been received in the face of Sissoko's return from the African Cup of Nation."Momo" might be put directly into the starting line up because of Melo's suspension.As can the new signing Antonio Candreva. 22 year old midfielder joined Bianconeri from Livorno in midweek.

Expected formation and line up :
Juventus(4-3-1-2)
Buffon
Zebina, Cannavaro, Chiellini, Grosso
Candreva, Sissoko, Marchisio
Diego
Amauri, Del Piero

AS Roma

My favorite team is in buoyant form for almost 2 months now. Despite all personal scepticism towards Ranieri's arrival, I have to admit he has been doing a good job so far. First of all, the defensive line looks ever so solid,regardless of ongoing injuries to regular center duo Juan and Mexes. In last 6 league games, on 5 occasions Giallorossi kept a clean sheet. The only exception happened in the match against Cagliari, where a short loss of concenration saw hosts score twice in a matter of two minutes.

The purchase of Luca "Cow" Toni is promising to become revolutionary for Roma's play style. In my personal opinion, Lupi always lacked a powerful striker under Spalletti.Numerous crosses into the box had little hope to them, due to aerial incompetence.

All Roma supporters are buzzing over the introduction of TOTO project in Turin. Totti is said to have recovered sufficiently to start behind Toni, with Vucinic continuing as the left winger.

Expected formation and line up :
Roma (4-2-3-1)
Julio Sergio
Cassetti, Juan, Burdisso or Mexes, Riise
De Rossi, Perrotta
Taddei, Totti, Vucinic
Toni

Betting advice

Statistics speaks for itself here. Juve is coming off 2 consecutive defeats (Milan 0-3 and Chievo 0-1), while Roma is on fire having won 5 out last 6 outings.

Juve will feel the extra pressure from the stands, where fans' frustration is mounting.If Roma gets the lead, I doubt home side shall have the emotional resources to get back into the game.

I'll take Roma to win - it all looks too obvious on paper and that's what concerns me the most.

Suggest you keep your stakes low, but at the same time,I don't see the situation turning for Juve on Saturday evening.

The Statistics :

HANDICAP BETTING :

Take Roma (0) @ 2.1 with Bet365