By Dom Shephard
Roma vs Ludogorets
20:00 @ Stadio Olimpico
Both on 7 points a peace, defeat for Roma; who lost the reverse fixture 2-1, would mean they’ll be back to defend their Europa Conference League crown. I’m sure Mourinho and his side will want to avoid dropping down in competition and a victory tonight will put them in the hat for the last 32.
The Referee in charge tonight is Dabanovic from Montenegro. Dabanovic currently shows an average 4 cards a game this season (4.06).
Ludogorets are a side who are averaging 12.6 fouls per game and go up against last seasons Europa Conference League’s top scorer Tammy Abraham. Not having Paulo Dybala to help break through the channels, the responsibility falls onto that of Lorenzo Pellegrini. Pellegrini is averaging 2.5 key passes per game and Ludogorets will be aware of the danger that brings.
Bernhard Tekpetey has committed on average 2.2 fouls per game in the competition this year, picking up just the single yellow. With other players a card away from a suspension, he looks likely to pick up a card this evening.
Ludogorets picked up 3 bookings in the reverse fixture back in September and expect tonight’s encounter to be a heated affair again. Cicinho avoided a booking last time out but has racked up a whopping 3 yellow cards (1 during qualifying), averaging 3.5 fouls per game, and will be at the forefront of the Roma attack. Roger Ibañez leading the way for Roma with 3 bookings this season in Serie A, 1 so far in the Europa League; currently averaging 2.5 tackles per game looks likely to be involved in a must win game for Roma.
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