Como and Roma bring different ways of reaching the penalty area: passing through pressure on one side, turning regains into quick attacks on the other. Southampton have several connected supply routes, while Portsmouth retain wide players who can threaten without long spells of possession. Across these two matches, attacking connections are better established than control of the spaces left behind them.
Como can release Paz and Baturina beyond Roma's first pressure to find Douvikas and Diao. Baturina has already supplied Douvikas against Napoli and Leipzig, so Kean's absence changes the striker relief rather than removing the usual starting target. Roma answer through Dybala's early passes to Malen, wing-back delivery and Koné's arrivals. Those movements test Como's recovery behind their advancing full-backs.
Roma replace Svilar with coach-confirmed starter Gollini and must redistribute Cristante's midfield work. De Roon has contributed useful protection in shorter appearances; the attacking argument comes from the existing supply on both sides. Early exchanges should revolve around escaping pressure, with transitions and renewed attacks after clearances shaping the later phases. That's why I'm siding with more goals in Como against Roma.
Southampton's threat comes through Azaz between the lines, Manning and Scienza on the left, and Bree's delivery from the right. Downes has supplied Azaz and Bree has supplied Larin, while rebounds and later attacking changes give them further routes into the box. Portsmouth's Kamara and Kavuma-McQueen bring a response down the wings, with Bishop providing a recent receiving and finishing contribution. Those routes meet Southampton's demonstrated difficulties with crosses and second balls.
Larin's reported readiness preserves Southampton's central target. Portsmouth's latest wide attack already worked without Murphy and Ogilvie; Shaughnessy's availability remains subject to a late call, and Milovanovic's availability affects their alternative forward option. Mousinho has shown that he will adjust the press after the interval, while Southampton can change their attacking receivers. The contest should move between sustained home pressure and visiting wide attacks, with the pursuit of an equaliser adding space for the next move. That's why I'm also siding with more goals in Southampton against Portsmouth.
