Roma will be without Evan Ferguson for the trip to Panathinaikos due to an ankle relapse, further weakening a thin attack and increasing pressure on Dybala and Soule. Punters might expect a tighter Roma forward display and fewer goals — consider low-scoring markets or backing Roma to win with under 2.5 goals rather than high-scoring options.
Ferguson ruled out of Panathinaikos trip with ankle relapse
Evan Ferguson has been confirmed unavailable for Roma’s Europa League away fixture against Panathinaikos after suffering a relapse of an ankle problem. The Republic of Ireland forward had missed two recent games and, although named on the bench in the 1-1 draw with Milan, did not feature.
Form and season numbers
The Brighton loanee has contributed five goals and two assists in 22 appearances for Roma this season, but his absence leaves the Giallorossi shorn of one of their more consistent attacking options.
Why Roma are short in attack
January arrivals Donyell Malen and Robinio Vaz are not eligible for Europa League matches until the knockout phase, while Artem Dovbyk and Stephan El Shaarawy are sidelined through injury. That combination of ineligibility and injuries narrows the manager’s choices up front and increases the likelihood of a more conservative lineup.
Defensive news
On a more positive note, defender Devyne Rensch returns to the squad after missing the game against Milan with a bruised knee, offering the coaching staff more defensive stability for the trip.
Roma squad vs. Panathinaikos
Goalkeepers: Svilar, Gollini, De Marzi
Defenders: Rensch, Angelino, Ndicka, Tsimikas, Celik, Mancini, Ziolkowski, Wesley, Ghilardi
Midfielders: Cristante, Pellegrini, El Aynaoui, Pisilli
Attackers: Soulé, Dybala, Della Rocca
Betting implications
Ferguson’s absence and the temporary ineligibility of new signings suggest a slimmer Roma attacking threat. Expect the team to rely more on Paulo Dybala and Soulé for creativity and goals.
For punters, consider markets that reflect reduced goal expectancy for Roma: under 2.5 goals, Roma to win with a low scoreline, or both teams to score no may offer value depending on Panathinaikos’ setup.
Always factor in starting lineups before placing bets.
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