Christmas thrills continue on Joy Sports and Adom-TV later this evening, when Roma face arch-rivals Juventus in the Serie A's match of the week LIVE only on Multi-TV.
This has always been a bitter grudge match and now represents leaders Juventus visiting a Roma side in crisis.
The bubble well and truly burst for Luis Enrique after the 3-0 defeat to Fiorentina, their second on the bounce, as fans lost their patience with this new project.
Ultras called for his resignation and even waited for the team at the train station on their return to hurl abuse. That debacle in Florence was certainly damaging, especially as Juan, Fernando Gago and Bojan Krkic are all suspended thanks to their red cards at the Stadio Franchi.
Enrique finds himself also having to completely reconstruct his defence, as Simon Kjaer and Marco Cassetti join Nicolas Burdisso, David Pizarro and Fabio Borini on the treatment table.
Options are limited, so Daniele De Rossi could become a makeshift centre-back to fill the gaps. It’s not too much of a stretch considering midfielders Rodrigo Taddei and Simone Perrotta have been used as full-backs periodically this term.
At least there is some good news with Pablo Daniel Osvaldo returning from his club-imposed suspension for punching teammate Erik Lamela, while Francesco Totti has also fully recovered from that ankle injury. It’s possible Enrique will give a starting spot to Federico Viviani, the Under-20 international and captain of the Roma youth team.
If the Giallorossi are in crisis, then Juventus are sitting pretty on top of the table and still unbeaten. There was a minor blip midweek when Bologna forced them into extra time for the Coppa Italia, but Claudio Marchisio eventually snatched a 2-1 victory. They also survived the loss of Andrea Pirlo to suspension last week against Cesena, so he returns to the starting XI.
The only absentee for Juve is Mirko Vucinic, who would’ve relished coming back to face his former club. After all, he left Roma precisely because of his terrible relationship with the local fans. He’s not the only ex-Roma man in the squad, though, as Simone Pepe grew up in the Giallorossi youth academy.
Keep an eye on: Francesco Totti (Roma) – The captain’s presence on the bench in Florence only intensified the fans’ anger towards Luis Enrique, so now that he is back to full fitness it seems inevitable he’ll be the focus point against old rivals Juventus. His teammates lost the plot against Fiorentina, so it’s time to be a true leader. Totti also hopes to improve his record against Juve of seven goals in 26 meetings.
Form Guide: Roma (L W W L L) Juventus (W W W D W)
Last season: Roma 0-2 Juventus
Stat fact: In their last seven visits to Rome in all competition, Juventus have earned six victories and a 2-2 draw. The Bianconeri are unbeaten at the Olimpico since a 4-0 drubbing in February 2004, which remains their only loss here in 11 years.
Roma (probable): Stekelenburg; Rosi, De Rossi, Heinze, Taddei; Perrotta, Viviani, Pjanic; Totti; Osvaldo, Lamela
Juventus (probable): Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio; Pepe, Matri, Estigarribia
Roma vs. Juventus kicks-off at 7:45pm;Pre-match discussions begin at 7:30pm on Joy Sports after the Monday edition of the Football Show.
Shamrock Rovers play Tottenham Hotspurs in the last group game of the Europa League on Thursday on Multi-TV.
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