Roma defender Chris Smalling is a likely candidate for a spot in Daniele De Rossi’s starting formation versus Brighton on Thursday night.
As the first leg of the Europa League Round of 16 approaches, Smalling is increasingly linked with an appearance from the start following his rest on Saturday at Monza.
The Englishman was kept on the bench as De Rossi’s men dealt an emphatic loss to Monza.
According to Daniele Aloisi of ForzaRoma.info, Smalling has made it a point that he wishes to start on Thursday night – given that Brighton play with three at the back, Smalling could be paired with Mancini and Ndicka to hold Roma’s defense.
His physicality would be used to limit the likes of Ferguson and Welbeck.
