It’s a massive game in Italy. Atalanta can move to within 2 points of Europe with a win here. Mourinho’s Roma side are currently 4th; level on points with AC Milan in 5th. They can move level with Juve with a win after The Old Lady’s stoppage time defeat to Napoli last night.
With so much riding on it, there’s an expectation that tempers fray. Any card bets are definitely supported by the fact that Masimiliano Irati is the man with the whistle.
Predicted Lineups
Team stats
Player shots and shots on target
Player goals and assists
Player passing
Atalanta cards
Roma cards
Atalanta vs Roma
24th April
kick off 19:45 Tammy Abraham 1+ SOT
Roma’s focal point is Tammy Abraham. He’ll lead the line and stay within the width of the box, feeding off the creativity of Dybala and Pellegrini behind him.
Abraham averages 1.18 SOT/90, the highest in the Roma team. Not only a clean striker of the ball, who has a fantastic SOT%, with 46% of his shots hitting the target.
I expect this game to be full of fouls and free kicks too. Which presents even more opportunity for the Englishman. Abraham stands at 6″5 and is a serious aerial threat for the visitors.
Duvan Zapata 1+ SOTZupata is an absolute beast. He leads the line solo tonight, with support from Pasalic and Koopmeiners in free roles behind him.
He’s not had the rub of the green this season as a result of injuries. He averages 0.53 SOT/90 but has been restricted to a lot of substitute appearances.
The fact remains that Zapata is one of SA’s most lethal marksmen. Having netted double figures in every season since 16/17.
He’s never shy of taking on a strike and it that lone role, it’ll be down to him to try and work Rui Patricio in the Roma sticks.
Bryan Cristante 1+ foulsCristante has been a very reliable player under Mourinho. The Special one loves the blend of quality on the ball but also that nasty bite that he wants from his players, particularly in the engine room.
In a big game like this, Cristante will be right amongst it. He’s a fierce competitor and he really does lead the charge in crunch matches.
Cristante had received 7 cards this season and ranks up a hefty 1.57 fouls/90.
When the sides met earlier in the season, Cristante made 3 fouls.
Marten De Roon 1+ foulsMarten De Roon is your classic midfield destroyer. In a team blessed with technicians, it’s the Dutchman’s job to get in amongst it and break up play, allowing those around him to do the beautiful stuff.
De Roon has had 5 cards this season and averages 1.29 fouls/90. He made 4 fouls and was booked when the sides met earlier in the season.
Roger Ibanez 1+ foulsIbanez is an absolute lunatic. Him and Mancini at the back represent the proverbial hard men of an Italian grudge match.
Ibanez has racked up a pretty remarkable 11 cards this season and averages 1.34 fouls/90. He loves getting stuck in and roughing up his opponent.
Given that he’ll be faced by two very physical players in Hojlund and Zapata; I’d expect him to want to lay down a marker with them.
Ibanez made a foul in the earlier meeting this season.
Load my picks of the pack here 
