AS Roma – Cagliari

AS Roma will aim to continue the excellent start to the season when they hosts Cagliari at Olimpico in the 3rd round of the Serie A.

The Giallorossi have won both domestic games against Empoli and Fiorentina without conceding a goal, and they backed up the good results with a fantastic 5-1 win over CSKA Moscow in the Champions League. Rudi Garcia`s side is clearly building on last seasons` success, when they finished second, and have an excellent squad which almost seems a lock to finish in the TOP 4. The offensive setup is just brilliant with the likes of Totti, Gervinho, Destro, Iturbe, Florenzi or Ljajic but Roma`s game is constructed on the back of an air tight defense, which looks really good this season wven with Benatia leaving – they brought in many defensive guys like Ashley Cole, Manolas, Astori, Holebas, Yanga Mbiwa or Emanuelson.

Not much to say about Cagliari, an analysis would say that they will be a mid table team this season, might actually have a few worries with relegation. The visitors lost a couple of players so they might be weaker than last season and their start to the campaign confirms that – just 1 point from 2 games against Atalanta and Sassuolo. I reckon Cagliari will struggle with keeping clean sheets this season, especially after losing Astori to today`s opponents.

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Team news & lineups

Roma will have to do without Balzaretti, Astori, Iturbe, Strootman and probably Castan. For Cagliari things are better, with Eriksson as the only unavailable player.

Roma: De Sanctis – Maicon, Manolas, Yanga-Mbiwa, Cole – Pjanic, De Rossi, Nainggolan – Florenzi, Totti, Gervinho

Cagliari: Colombi – Avelar, Rossettini, Ceppitelli, Balzano – Dessena, Conti, Ekdal – Cossu, Sau, Ibarbo

I respect the fact that Roma is coming after a midweek Champions League clash, but the hosts have so much depth this season that I doubt it will affect them in anyway, aside from a boost in morale. They also know they can`t allow points to slip away in these kind of matches after last season`s experience. Roma is pumping on all cylinders right now, they are a very strong outfit at home and should be able to easily take care of business against a mediocre team (at best). No part of the analysis suggests Cagliari could spring a surprise, so my tip is Roma to win and cover the 1,5 goal spread. Roma to win to nil might also be a good choice (at better odds), but I reckon the spread is safer, as Cagliari has a poor defense this season. Prediction: AS Roma – Cagliari 3-0.

Pick: Roma (-1,5)
Odds: 1.86 @ Sbobet
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 6.88
Event date: 21 September