Center>AS Roma-Panathinaikos
Football: UEFA Europa League
Thursday, 25th February 2010. Kickoff 19:00

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AS Roma

A week ago AS Roma suffered their first defeat since October ’09.

When David Pizzaro put Lupi in front with 15 min to go in the game – few people could expect Panathinaikos would’ve made a Hollywood come back. Greek side came out on top on late Thursday evening securing a 3-2 win. Injury to goalkeeper Julio Sergio proved to be the turning point.

Favorite under Spalletti’s rein, Doni, might have showed us, that one of the secrets behind Ranieri’s success at Roma was sending him to the bench. The all so familiar traces of old nervous and unstable Roma came back as soon as Doni took the place between the posts.

At the week-end Doni had no real chance to spoil the result for his team-mates as Roma were up against relegation-bound Catania at the Stadio Olimpico. Without giving much of an effort Giallorossi took 3 points and turned more pressure on leaders Inter Milan.

Ranieri’s short of legendary Francesco Totti, defensive midfielder David Pizzarro and Luca Toni. Absence of in-form Chilean is, probably, the most serious one of all.Alessio Cerci disappointed at the week-end as he was given a rare first minute start by Ranieri.

Expected formation and line up :
Roma (4-2-3-1)
Doni
Motta, Juan,Burdisso, Riise
De Rossi,Brighi
Cerci, Vucinic, Taddei
Baptista

Panathinaikos

Panathinaikos are top of Greek league by a comfortable margin from 2nd placed Olympiacos. It allows them to firmly keep their eyes on the Europa League battle vs. AS Roma. Djibril’s Cisse late winner now gives Pana the so-required share of confidence as they travel to Rome.

The weakness of Greek sides away from home is well-known, so the aggregate lead is a good psychological injection for Nioplias’ men.
If we refer to history,though,surprisingly Pana's last visit to Italy ended in a shocking victory against Inter Milan at the San Siro.

Nikos Niomplias has stated he would not turn his attention to experienced defensive midfielder Gilberto Silva.This means Simao should continue holding together the center of the pitch for the Greeks.In-form striker Djibril Cisse should be supported by Leto from the left and either Salpingidis or Sotiris Ninis on the right wing.

Expected formation and line up :
Panathinaikos(4-1-2-3)
Tzorvas
Vintra,Kante,Sarriegi,Spyropoulos-
Simao
Karagounis,Katsouranis
Salpingidis,Cisse,Leto

Betting advice

It will be interesting to see how Roma acts when they're in need of a goal. Doni's presence on the pitch can turn into a real disaster for the Italian side and this factor should not be underestimated.

The odds given by the bookies are not serious. The -1,25 hp on Roma's win is nothing more than disrespect towards Panathinaikos.

In football, as in any other sport, winning streaks eventually end up in short-term downtrends and set-backs. As hard it is to admit this, but this evening Roma might just go through their first big disappointment under Ranieri.

PERCENTAGE ESTIMATE :

AS Roma 40% - Draw 35% - Panathinaikos 25%

HANDICAP BETTING :

Take Panathinaikos (+1) @ 2.16 with Bet365