AEK Athens FC vs AS Roma Predicted Lineups: UEFA Champions League Clash

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 race for qualification, and this one pitches an in-form AEK side against a Roma team still searching for a reference point in this European campaign.

AEK Athens FC come into this round sitting 1st in the overall league-phase table, albeit before any league-phase games have been played, with 0 points and a neutral goal difference. However, their early continental form is encouraging: they are unbeaten in their last two Champions League outings, with a form string of “WD” domestically in the competition and a recent league record of “DW”, including a 4-0 home win and a clean sheet in both games. That underpins optimism around the predicted lineups and the expected starting lineup at Allwyn Arena.

AS Roma, by contrast, are listed 28th in the league phase, also on 0 points and with no goals scored or conceded yet in this stage. With no recorded form string in the Champions League so far, this trip to Athens effectively serves as an opening statement opportunity. The matchup looks finely balanced on paper, with the win probabilities split evenly at 33% home, 33% draw, and 33% away, suggesting a tight contest where tactical details and the accuracy of the predicted lineups could be decisive.

AEK Athens FC Team News & Expected Lineups Today

There are no registered injuries or suspensions for AEK Athens FC in the available data, so the hosts are expected to have a full squad to choose from. That gives the coaching staff the freedom to stick close to the core group that has started the Champions League campaign strongly, maintaining the stability that has delivered two clean sheets and four goals scored across their last two fixtures.

AEK’s recent European outings have featured an attacking-minded but balanced setup, often built on a solid defensive base and quick transitions. With an expected full complement available and strong form (league form string “DW”), the focus will be on continuity: protecting their excellent defensive record while maximising the threat of their standout attacker Barnabás Varga, who leads their scoring charts in this Champions League season.

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; L. Majer; P. Mantalos; R. Marin
FW: B. Varga; L. Jović

This expected starting lineup leans heavily on experience and recent European contributors. In goal, T. Strakosha is the logical choice from a strong goalkeeping pool, providing stability behind a back line anchored by H. Moukoudi and D. Vida, with C. Lykogiannis and L. Rota offering width and defensive solidity. AEK’s defensive numbers in the Champions League so far are outstanding: two clean sheets, zero goals conceded, and a perfect defensive record in both home and away fixtures, which justifies prioritising their senior defenders in the predicted XI.

In midfield, the combination of K. Kairinen, L. Majer, P. Mantalos, and R. Marin offers a blend of control, creativity, and work rate. Mantalos, as one of the most experienced figures in the squad, is expected to operate as a key link between midfield and attack, while Majer and Marin can dictate tempo and progression through the lines. Up front, Barnabás Varga is the clear focal point: he is AEK’s top scorer in this Champions League campaign with 2 goals in 2 appearances, an excellent rating of 7.95, and strong underlying numbers (3 shots, 2 on target, 29 passes with a key pass and 18 duels contested). Partnered by L. Jović, Varga should spearhead an aggressive front line designed to test Roma’s yet-unproven European defence.

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 the Italian side yet to play a Champions League fixture in this league phase, there is no established European form line to draw from, and the manager has the flexibility to shape the side using the full depth of the squad.

Given the lack of recent Champions League data for Roma, the expected approach leans towards a balanced, slightly cautious setup away from home, especially against an AEK side in strong form. The predicted lineups today for Roma are built around experienced internationals in defence and midfield, supported by a high-calibre attacking group featuring Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen, who should headline the forward line in the starting lineup.

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 starting lineup is built around a strong defensive core and a technically gifted attacking trio. In goal, M. Svilar is a logical first choice among three available keepers. At the back, G. Mancini, Hermoso, and E. Ndicka provide experience, aerial presence, and ball-playing ability, while N. Molina adds dynamism and width from full-back. This unit will be tasked with containing AEK’s direct threat, particularly the movement and physicality of Barnabás Varga.

In midfield, B. Cristante and M. de Roon offer a double shield in front of the defence, bringing positional discipline, pressing intensity, and ball recovery. L. Pellegrini is expected to operate higher up as the creative hub, linking with the front three and exploiting pockets between AEK’s lines. Up front, Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen are the headline names: Dybala’s ability to drift into half-spaces and create chances, combined with Malen’s pace and direct running, should complement the younger M. Soulé, who can provide additional flair and off-the-ball movement. Even though Roma have no recorded goals or assists yet in this Champions League season, this front line is more than capable of testing AEK’s otherwise perfect defensive record.

Injuries and Suspended Players Impact

With no injuries or suspensions listed for either side, this fixture is shaped more by tactical choices and form than by enforced absences. Both coaches can select from their full registered squads, increasing the importance of in-game management and the accuracy of the predicted lineups when assessing how the match might unfold.

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 centre on AEK’s strong early Champions League form against Roma’s higher individual quality. AEK have been extremely efficient so far: 4 goals scored across 2 fixtures (an average of 2.0 per game) and 0 conceded, with a particularly explosive start in matches — 2 goals in the first 15 minutes and another between 16–30 minutes. That suggests an aggressive, front-foot approach early on, powered by quick service into Barnabás Varga and support from attacking midfielders such as P. Mantalos and R. Marin. Their clean-sheet record, with no goals conceded in any time segment, underlines a compact defensive block that has so far been very difficult to break down.

Roma, meanwhile, enter this tie with a blank statistical slate in the Champions League league phase: no goals for or against, no wins, draws, or losses recorded yet. That makes them something of an unknown quantity in this specific context, but the predicted XI points to a side built to control central areas and then unleash quality in the final third. The midfield duel between AEK’s K. Kairinen and L. Majer against Roma’s B. Cristante and M. de Roon will be crucial: if AEK can disrupt Roma’s build-up and maintain their high early tempo, they can lean on their strong attacking and form indices. Conversely, if Roma’s midfield can slow the game and feed Dybala and Malen between AEK’s lines, the Italian side’s superior individual talent could tilt the balance.

Match Prediction and Verdict

Win probabilities are perfectly balanced at 33% for AEK Athens FC, 33% for the draw, and 33% for AS Roma, underlining how finely poised this contest appears. AEK’s case is built on recent performance: they are unbeaten in their last two Champions League fixtures, with a 4-0 home win, two clean sheets, and a strong attacking output led by top scorer Barnabás Varga. Roma, on the other hand, bring a deeper and more star-studded squad but without a Champions League league-phase track record yet this season.

With no clear statistical favourite and both teams at full strength, a tightly contested match is the most likely scenario. AEK’s strong home form and defensive solidity suggest they are unlikely to be overrun, while Roma’s attacking quality should eventually create chances even against a well-organised back line. Balancing these factors, a draw appears a reasonable verdict, reflecting the evenly split win probabilities and the early-stage nature of the league phase.

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-based soccer streaming service
• South America: Continental sports channel or national broadcaster with UEFA rights
• MENA: Regional satellite sports network or official digital platform