Honestly, I would start Defrel as CFW and keep Dzeko on the bench unless needed. We need Dzeko fresh for Milan this weekend. A front 3 of SES-Defrel-Under should be enough to take care of this game.
I feel like I've seen this movie before and we end up losing 1-0 or drawing 1-1 with minnows and embarrass ourselves. We have to win both games against them if we want to have a hope of making it out of the group stage.
This is why you build depth. If guys like Defrel, Peres, Under, Pellegrini can't beat small teams like this we have no hope in the CL or SA. It's better to find out now if those depth players have what it takes to beat smaller teams because we can't continue to run Dzeko, Ninja, DDR, Stroot, etc out there game after game.
@Java65 is right. The whole point of building a team with depth is so that you can go out against a team from Azerbaijan and beat them without being forced to play your entire first team. After this game we will be playing Milan, Napoli and Chelsea in a short amount of time. Dzeko, Kolarov and Ninja have to be fresh for that run because they will play every one of those games. This is why you bring in Pellegrini and Gonolans. This is why you have a backup CFW like Defrel. Here is your opportunity.
All good points, I just feel like we need to make a stand in the CL. I think part of the reason Mahrez didn't push for a move over the summer is because we're Roma; if Barca had come calling he would have made a bigger fuss. CL success would help our reputation a lot. Coming out of this group in a top two position (a tall order, I know) would do a lot for us.
EDF says Kalorov and Dzeko will both start. I think it's a really big mistake but that's why he gets paid the big bucks. http://www.forzaroma.info/news-as-r...sus-non-sottovalutiamo-il-qarabag-foto-video/
I think you're a year too early to be asking for squad rotation this early in the season. The problem is the team is still young under the manager. Its still finding its feet. This time next year it would be a much safer bet. Considering the group we need to win this match and all things considered resting key players is not worth the risk.
If we can't beat them resting a few key players then we already have no chance of getting out of the group. Then after running our players into the ground again we will struggle in EL and SA.
Of course you should be able too but the point is considering all things it's really not worth the risk at this present moment and not as black and white as you make out. Win the game and then rest the key players. EDF has already shown he is happy to rotate in the weaker league games. Next year I would be all for your suggestion when the squad know each other well enough to be relied upon assuming we finally keep a squad together .
But my point is if we need our key players to beat Qarabag we will not get out of our group. I'd rather bow out of the CL now and rest players than run them into the ground, get knocked out all the while dropping league points along the way.
Sky Sports is expecting Nainggolan, Manolas, and De Rossi to be on the bench for this. Defrel will start next to Dzeko and SES. Roma (probable): Alisson; Peres, Fazio, Jesus, Kolarov; Pellegrini, Gonalons, Strootman; Defrel, Dzeko, El Shaarawy
Again we could probably beat them on a good night with a whole second string on the pitch. It's not that we need them but the key here is the manager and his system is not yet established enough on the pitch to be making a lot of changes. We're going well currently dispatching the small sides in the league, keep the momentum going in what needs to be a comfortable 3 points. The likes of dzeko can easily play 60+ mins. He doesn't move that much anyway. Nianggolan you could make a case for resting. Everyone else I would start including DDR who can come off at 60 as well. The hard work is also pretty much over in training in terms of getting the power in there legs. They will have lots of time to rest in between.
I'm with you on Dzeko and honestly my only real concern is Kolarov. The rest have gotten a game off but he's played ever match and with ACM a few days later I'd much rather have him for that match than this.
You never know, 2 wins against Quarabag would bring you to 7 points. Maybe you can get a win against Chelsea at home and 1 draw against either Atletico or Chelsea away from home. That would be enough for you to go through I think
If I thought we could actually win, or at least make the finals, I'd be more than happy with this scenario.