Probable Formations: Gent vs Roma

The Giallorossi’s injury list grew just a little bit longer this week when Lorenzo Pellegrini was ruled out with a thigh strain. In addition to Pellegrini, Roma remains without Javier Pastore, Antonio Mirante, Amadou Diawara, Nicoló Zaniolo, and Davide Zappacosta through injury for this one. Throw in Bruno Peres, Juan Jesus, and Roger Ibañez, who were left of Roma’s UEFA lost, and Fonseca’s choices become just a bit more limited.

With Pellegrini injured and Peres ineligible to play, at least two changes will be made from Sunday’s starting XI. Pellegrini’s absence in particular will have a domino effect on the attack. Fortunately for Fonseca, Henrikh Mkhitaryan looks to be back at his best, making him the most likely option to replace Pellegrini at trequartista.

With Mkhitaryan slotting inside, Justin Kluivert will likely take his place on the left side of attack. Meanwhile, last Thursday’s match winner, Carles Perez will take over on the right. Of course, Edin Dzeko will lead the line.

With Diawara still absent, Jordan Veretout and Bryan Cristante will again compose the midfield double pivot. Sitting behind them will be a back four of Santon, Smalling, Mancini, and Kolarov. Rounding out the XI will be Pau Lopez in goal.

Probable Formations (EuroSport)

Gent (4-3-1-2): Kaminski; Castro Montes, Plastun, Ngadeu, Mohammadi; Odjidja-Ofoe, Owusu, Marreh; Niangbo; David, Bezus. Manager. Thorup

Roma (4-2-3-1): Pau Lopez; Santon, Manici, Smalling, Kolarov; Cristante, Veretout; Pérez, Mkhitaryan, Kluivert; Dzeko. Manager. Fonseca

Referee: José María Sánchez Martínez (Spagna)