08 APR 2021; Ajax - Roma; Europa League Quaterfinals

[Orange14]

Will Ajax extend their 2021 unbeaten record against Roma this Thursday? I have only watched maybe Roma for maybe 90 minutes this season and was not impressed. They played very poorly against Atalanta, whom Ajax were competitive against. Other than Inter, the Italian teams are quite poor this year with Roma the last club standing in Euro competition. Why the league gets four guaranteed spots in the CL is totally mystifying. Never the less it is a Euro match and Ajax can be expected to be tested. Blind's absence may have a significant impact on Ajax ability to play out from the back. On the other hand, I don't think Roma has faced the type of relenting pressure Ajax puts on opponents. The front line will need to step it up and if Ajax can get on the scoreboard early on the match should be under control.

[Manneken Pis]

Here's what I wrote on another thread where someone asked if anyone knew anything about Roma:

From what I remember from the the podcast "Branie" (in Dutch) which Menno Pot (remember him? ) presents, one of the other journalists talked about Roma. Mish mash of young and old players due to different recruitment regimes which doesn't fully hang together. Attacking style (3-4-3) with the coach Fonseca who had 3 years success with Shaktar. Players to watch: Christante, Veretout, Pellegini and Pedro. Defence not great (have conceeded a lot this season) and leave space at the back when they push up, so opportunity for Antony & Neres. Arial danger (so journalist thinks Schuurs will play). Significant injuries (Best player Zaniolo, plus Kumbulla, Smalling, and Mkhitaryan). Džeko is there but getting on.

[Ayman]

Whether its 2-0, 3-0, 4-1 or even 1-0, Ajax are way too strong for AS Roma

[Amol]

A bit nervous about today's game with both Steks and Blind out to injuries. Yet to see a confirmation about Steks missing the game, so crossing my fingers.

I don't want to see Schuurs at RCB just to protect us from Dzeko's aerial threat. He's not the greatest header of the ball and his other shortcomings will actually make us give up more goals.

[Ayman]

I just hope he doesn't play Rensch in midfield. As for Stek, there was a video clip of him training on insta today, its just a short clip, so it doesn't say much, lets hope he is fit enough to start.

[kezme44]

I think blind will be a huge loss. though we have not lost in a while, we really have not been tested. I don’t rate our eredivisie wins at all. what may play in our favor is the situation at roma right now. sounds like there is a lot of infighting and the coach has been under fire by management and players. let’s see...

[Amol]

I don't want to read too much into the infighting at Roma. Could easily be a smoke screen and we shouldn't really have to worry about that. They ARE missing a boatload of starters though - which will play in our favor.

Really hope Steks can make this game. I hope we see Timber and Martinez in the back and Alvarez and Gravenberch in front of them.

[kezme44]

no steks

[Amol]

Just came here to post the same news - no Steks. Lets now hope that this gives him a full week to recover when we fly to Rome.

[Ayman]

It's only Roma anyway.

[Orange14]

Scherpen was outstanding playing for Jong Oranje and he got a good workout last weekend. He's not as experienced as Steks but he is much quicker. I think he can do the job.

[SPL]

Back to Rensch at RB,Timber CD, and Alvarez DMF. I am a bit nervous at Scherpen as Steks has done a great job so far as stand in goalie.

With Schuurs also out our bench looks short.

[kezme44]

yes!!!!

[Orange14]

That was nice

[Tom_]

I read that Roma were un-Italian and attacking but they are sitting back and trying to counter, fouling a lot, and looking for free kicks. So pretty typical.

[Orange14]

Roma are struggling against the press. Would love to see another goal and a clean sheet.

[SPL]

A well taken goal by Klaassen and we are looking ok ,not much frets so far from Roma.Scherpen had to make one save early on , tipped it round the post so that would have settled his nerves.

2-0 would be a nice end score but lets just win as home advantage doesn't count for much with no crowds.

[Ayman]

There is this feeling that Ajax are the heavy weights against a weaker opposition, I love this feeling, usually it's either a nervy game or Ajax are the underdogs. Still concerned about the sloppy passing/give aways

[kezme44]

terrible penalty by tadic. what a chance to wrap this up

[kezme44]

yup that’s how it goes. another error and now it’s 1-1

[Tom_]

Sigh. This is how Ajax loses these ties. Totally on top, don’t take the chances and then conced sloppy goals.

[GangstaRiB]

Sigh. This is how Ajax loses these ties. Totally on top, don’t take the chances and then conced sloppy goals.

Yep yep yep....

[Orange14]

Nice assist from Klassen

[kezme44]

how idiotic to lose against this toothless roma side in a game where you had all the control

[Tom_]

Ajax found their classic losing formula that always produces the same result against Italian sides.

I expect more of the same in the return leg from Roma. They got away with a lot of fouls so depending on the refereeing that may be more difficult for them.