AEK Athens FC vs AS Roma Predicted Lineups and Team News

AEK Athens FC welcome AS Roma to Allwyn Arena in Athens for a UEFA Champions League league-phase clash on 19 January 2027. With the competition using a league-stage format, every fixture carries weight in the overall table, and both sides will be eager to start this phase strongly. AEK Athens FC are currently listed 1st in the League Phase table, while AS Roma sit 28th, though both clubs are yet to play a match and remain on 0 points with neutral goal difference.

AEK arrive with early positive signs in Europe this season. Their recent Champions League record reads two games unbeaten, with a form string of “WD” in the overall standings and “DW” in the predictions’ league form, underpinned by 4 goals scored and none conceded in those two fixtures. That platform, plus home advantage in Athens, makes their predicted lineups particularly interesting as they look to impose themselves against a traditionally strong Italian opponent.

AS Roma, by contrast, have no recent Champions League fixtures logged this season, with no goals scored or conceded and no wins, draws or losses recorded so far. Their form line is blank, meaning this match will effectively set the tone for their European campaign. With no clear statistical edge in the outcome probabilities (each result given a 33% chance), the focus falls heavily on how the expected starting lineup for each side is constructed and which key players can tilt the balance.

AEK Athens FC Team News & Expected Lineups Today

There are no listed injuries or suspensions for AEK Athens FC, so the coaching staff should have a full squad to choose from. That allows them to stick closely to the core group that has delivered an unbeaten start in Europe, including a perfect defensive record and an attacking return of 4 goals in 2 matches. Their recent form string of “WD” in the standings and “DW” in the predictions section reflects a team that has been hard to beat and efficient in both boxes.

Tactically, AEK have previously lined up in an attacking-minded shape that can morph between two forwards and a more compact block, with the data indicating a preference for a system used in both of their recent Champions League outings. The expectation is that they will again look to be proactive at home, with an emphasis on early pressure: 50% of their Champions League goals so far have arrived in the first 15 minutes, and another 25% between minutes 16–30. With no significant absences reported, the manager can select an expected starting lineup built around experience at the back and a focal point in attack.

AEK Athens FC Predicted Lineups & Starting Lineup

Predicted Starting XI:
GK: T. Strakosha
DF: H. Moukoudi, D. Vida, C. Lykogiannis, L. Rota
MF: K. Kairinen, M. Gaćinović, P. Mantalos, R. Marin
FW: B. Varga, L. Jović

This predicted lineup leans on AEK’s blend of solidity and creativity. In goal, T. Strakosha offers top-level experience and composure, vital behind a defensive line anchored by H. Moukoudi and D. Vida, with C. Lykogiannis and L. Rota providing balance and width from the full-back positions. That back unit underpins a Champions League record of 0 goals conceded in 2 matches, with clean sheets both home and away so far.

In midfield, K. Kairinen can operate as the deep controller, with M. Gaćinović and R. Marin offering energy and line-breaking runs, while captain-style influence and creativity are expected from P. Mantalos between the lines. Up front, all eyes will be on Barnabás Varga. He is AEK’s standout attacking reference in this competition: 2 goals in 2 appearances, an average rating of 7.95, and efficient shooting with 2 shots on target from 3 attempts. Alongside him, L. Jović provides an additional penalty-box presence and link-up option, giving AEK a potent front pair capable of capitalising on their strong attacking indices so far.

AS Roma Team News & Expected Lineups Today

AS Roma also have no listed injuries or suspensions, meaning there are no significant absences reported ahead of this trip to Athens. With no recent Champions League form recorded in the standings or predictions sections, the Italian side’s approach is more difficult to benchmark statistically, but the depth of the squad suggests they can field a competitive XI blending experience and emerging talent.

For the lineups today, Roma are expected to prioritise defensive structure and control in midfield, given AEK’s strong early scoring profile and perfect defensive record. With their form index currently at 0% in all areas (attack and defense included) simply because they have yet to play, this match becomes a baseline test. The coaching staff are likely to lean on their most established names in the expected starting lineup, particularly at centre-back and in central midfield, while using pace and creativity in the forward line to threaten on transitions.

AS Roma Predicted Lineups & Starting Lineup

Predicted Starting XI:
GK: M. Svilar
DF: G. Mancini, Hermoso, E. Ndicka, N. Molina
MF: B. Cristante, M. de Roon, L. Pellegrini
FW: P. Dybala, D. Malen, M. Soulé

Roma’s predicted XI is built around a strong spine. In goal, M. Svilar is a logical choice given his age and experience, backed by a defensive line featuring G. Mancini’s aggression and leadership, Hermoso’s left-footed balance, and E. Ndicka’s athleticism. N. Molina offers an attacking outlet from full-back, which will be crucial to relieve pressure and provide width against an AEK side that scores heavily in the early stages of games.

In midfield, B. Cristante and M. de Roon form a robust double screen, capable of protecting the back line and dictating tempo, while L. Pellegrini adds creativity and late runs from central areas. Up front, P. Dybala remains the marquee attacking talent, expected to drift between the lines and exploit any gaps between AEK’s midfield and defense. D. Malen provides direct running and penetration, while M. Soulé adds technical quality and unpredictability from wide or half-space positions. This trio gives Roma multiple routes to goal despite the lack of recorded Champions League attacking stats so far this season.

Injuries and Suspended Players Impact

With both squads listed at full strength, absences are not expected to play a decisive role in this fixture. Instead, the outcome will hinge on tactical choices, in-game adjustments, and how effectively each side can execute their game plan over 90 minutes.

AEK Athens FC Absences:

• No significant absences reported.

AS Roma Absences:

• No significant absences reported.

Tactical Analysis: How the Lineups Match Up

The tactical battle is likely to revolve around AEK’s proactive home approach against Roma’s structured, possession-oriented style. AEK’s Champions League numbers so far are striking: 4 goals scored in 2 matches, all while keeping clean sheets. They have been especially dangerous early in games, with three of their four goals coming in the first half hour. The predicted front pairing of B. Varga and L. Jović, supported by creative midfielders like P. Mantalos and R. Marin, should look to press Roma’s build-up and exploit any hesitancy in the visitors’ first European outing of the campaign.

Roma, on the other hand, will likely prioritise controlling central areas. With B. Cristante and M. de Roon shielding the back four and L. Pellegrini linking play, they have the tools to slow AEK’s tempo and limit space between the lines. The front three of P. Dybala, D. Malen, and M. Soulé offers a blend of creativity, dribbling and pace that can threaten AEK’s defensive line, which has yet to concede but has not yet been tested by a frontline of this calibre. If Roma can bypass AEK’s initial press and progress the ball into advanced zones, their attacking quality could expose spaces behind the full-backs and test the central pairing of H. Moukoudi and D. Vida.

Match Prediction and Verdict

Outcome probabilities for this match are finely balanced, with the win chances split evenly at 33% for AEK Athens FC, 33% for the draw, and 33% for AS Roma. With no clear statistical favourite and no specific scoreline projection available, the verdict leans towards a tight contest in which AEK’s early-season European momentum and home advantage are offset by Roma’s superior individual quality and depth.

AEK’s unbeaten run, perfect defensive record, and strong attacking indices suggest they will be highly competitive, especially in the opening stages. However, Roma’s predicted XI features several players with extensive experience at the highest level, and their ability to manage tempo and create chances through P. Dybala and L. Pellegrini should not be underestimated. Taking into account the perfectly balanced win probabilities and the lack of decisive comparative edge in the prediction models, a share of the points appears the most plausible outcome.

Predicted Outcome: AEK Athens FC 1–1 AS Roma

How to Watch AEK Athens FC vs AS Roma Worldwide

Here is how you can watch the match and see the official lineups today live:

• Spain: Local sports broadcaster / streaming platform
• UK: Major pay-TV sports channel or official UEFA streaming partner
• USA / North America: Regional sports network or subscription streaming service
• South America: Leading continental sports broadcaster
• MENA: Regional satellite sports network or digital streaming platform