José Mourinho’s Roma will be hoping for an early-Christmas win, as his Roma side will play Roberto D’Aversa’s Sampdoria team this evening in Serie A. Roma are sitting 6th place in the table, only three points behind 5th place. A win for them is crucial, as not only will it propel them towards the top of the table, but it could give them some space to breathe as the teams below them in the table are close by. Sampdoria are on the other end of the spectrum, as they are currently sitting 15th in the league. A win for them is equally as important, as they are eight points off the relegation places, so they will be looking to expand that gap.
The two teams are both in decent form, as Roma have won their two previous league games. Sampdoria also haven’t lost in their last two league games, but those results were one win and one draw. Even though this might seem like a turn in form for I Blucerchiati, (that’s Sampdoria’s nickname – I’m trying to sharpen up on my Italian) they have lost four of their last eight games, which could pose a weakness for the visitors.
The Stadio Olimpico will play host to the game tonight, as the two teams who both need the points will be fighting to see who comes out on top. Have a look at my selections below for my bet builder.
Roma v Sampdoria Bet Builder Tips & Predictions
Manolo Gabbiadini to have 2+ Shots on Target
A name that Premier League fans might recognise, Manolo Gabbiadini once led the line for Southampton, but has now resided in his home country of Italy, when he rejoined Sampdoria back in 2019. The 30-year-old has found himself in a great bit of form in his recent games, as he has netted four goals in his last five matches. In his run of goalscoring form, I fancy him to have his shooting boots on once again and test the keeper on a few occasions. Wanting to add to his goals tally, I reckon that Gabbiadini will have a few chances at goal this evening.
Averaging a total of 3.86 shots per game in the league, the Italian knows where the goal is, as he manages to divert 1.99 shots per game on target. Especially in his recent scoring form, I expect Gabbiadini to keep this average up and achieve at least two shots on target. With Sampdoria scoring in each of their last seven games, this shows that the team can clearly produce a good number of chances, and Gabbiadini will be the man at the top to take advantage of this. Being no stranger to the football field, Gabbiadini has shed loads of experience that he will be able to use to produce a competitive advantage for his team. His football knowledge has been able to age over the years, and I expect him to be able to cleverly work some chances for himself tonight.
Tammy Abraham to Score Anytime
Tammy Abraham finds himself in fine form for I Giallorossi, netting four goals in his last three games. If you wanted a definition of an in-form striker, it would be just that. Therefore, I would find it no shock if the Englishman ended up on the scoresheet once again. Moving to Roma from Chelsea in the summer, the 24-year-old has been able to find his feet and show the quality that he possesses. Clearly enjoying his time in Italy, his goalscoring form seems to only be improving.
Averaging 2.78 shots per game, Abraham constantly finds himself in the right positions to create multiple chances for himself throughout the match. With an average shot distance of 12 yards, he can position himself well inside of the box and use his top-notch striker’s instinct to poach onto chances and score goals for his side. With his confidence growing and growing, I fancy Abraham to net a goal for Roma tonight.
Sampdoria have found themselves losing the game at half-time in 11 of their last 18 matches. This is motivation for Abraham, as he can take advantage of his opponent’s poor starts to games to get a goal early on. Not only this, but Sampdoria concede an average of 1.63 goals when they’re away, which will make Abraham fancy his chances even more tonight, knowing that they struggle to keep clean sheets on the road.
Albin Ekdal to be Booked
Diverting away from my ex-Premier League choices, Albin Ekdal catches my eye as a player to be booked in the game tonight. Conceding an average of 2.5 fouls per game this season, the Swede isn’t afraid to get his foot stuck into some challenges. Already receiving five yellow cards this campaign, it presents itself as a tally with room to grow, as receiving a yellow card is looking to become a routine for Ekdal. With the referee tonight averaging a total of four yellow cards per game this season, I wouldn’t be surprised if Ekdal ends up as one of the ref’s victims, as he will constantly be trying to keep Roma out from scoring.
The home side have three players in their side that draw an average of 2+ fouls per game, so this means that Ekdal may face some tricky opponents in and around his own penalty area. With two yellow cards in his last five games, the bookings seem to be racking up and seem to be happening consistently. In terms of some defensive stats, the seasoned 32-year-old averages 21 pressures per game, meaning that he takes up his defensive duties and plays his part in trying to keep opponents out. With a third of his tackles coming in his defensive third of the pitch, Ekdal manages to sit back and protect the box when needed but has no problem when pushing out to try and stop an oncoming attack. With Roma pushing for the three points tonight, I won’t be surprised to see Ekdal end up in the book.
Written by an Andy verified content writer
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Roma v Sampdoria Cheat Sheet
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How to watch Roma v Sampdoria in Serie A
📅 When is Roma v Sampdoria? / Wednesday, 22 December 2021, 17:30
🏟 Where is Roma v Sampdoria? / Stadio Olimpico (Rome)
📱 Online Live Streaming for Roma v Sampdoria? / bet365
🟨 …And who is the referee for Roma v Sampdoria? / Piero Giacomelli 🇮🇹
