Fiorentina vs. Roma: Date, Time, Live Stream, TV Info, Serie a Preview

All eyes could well be on Juan Cuadrado when Fiorentina host AS Roma. The Colombian winger remains in the crosshairs of Premier League leaders Chelsea, per Dominic Fifield of The Guardian, ahead of a possible transfer this month.

But sixth-placed Fiorentina need Cuadrado fully focused and at his best, if they're going to beat a Roma side sitting second in Serie A. That might not be possible considering La Viola manager Vincenzo Montella is unhappy about the speculation regarding one of his star players.

Roma could profit from the uncertainty surrounding Cuadrado. Boss Rudi Garcia's team has the midfield talent to trouble anybody. But Garcia's men may miss Gervinho's pace and guile up front.

Here's the schedule and viewing information:

Date: Sunday, January 25 2014

Time: 7:45 p.m. (GMT) / 2:45 p.m. (ET)

TV: BT Sport 1 / beIN Sports USA

Live Stream: Watch BT Sport Now. beIn Sports Connect.

Preview

Fiorentina gaffer Vincenzo Montella certainly doesn't appreciate all of the talk of Cuadrado moving to Stamford Bridge. He recently made that very clear, per Sky Sports:

"

I believe as of today there are no possibilities he will leave Fiorentina. He knows this, he knows that these situations get exaggerated.

I'm not angry with the media, in this case I'm not referring to the media, but to football.

"

Dominic Fifield and Ed Aarons of The Guardian have reported Montella may have even threatened to quit over any potential sale. The one-time Roma striker's hard-line stance is certainly understandable considering Cuadrado's importance.

Luca Bruno/Associated Press

Quick and powerful, the tricky yet direct winger is an invaluable attacking outlet for Fiorentina. Not only that, but the 26-year-old's impressive work rate means he consistently transitions defence to attack, an invaluable trait in the modern game.

Montella knows the value of that type of player. That's why Cuadrado is expected to play despite all the speculation, per the Press Association (via ESPN FC).

Towering striker Mario Gomez is expected to "lead Fiorentina's attack" after scoring twice during a recent 3-1 Coppa Italia win over Atalanta. If Gomez does get the nod, then Cuadrado's delivery from wide areas will be crucial in maximising the German's aerial threat.

As for Roma, Garcia's team will likely try to keep the ball on the ground. Why would you do anything else with a pass-master as gifted as Miralem Pjanic in your squad?

His mercurial brain can find the gaps in any defence. Pjanic doesn't have Gervinho's fleet-footed runs to aim for now the Ivory Coast star is on international duty.

However, he could still pick out forwards Francesco Totti and the talented but temperamental former Fiorentina star Adem Ljajic. If Pjanic is allowed to conduct play, Roma will score a big away win.

Prediction: Fiorentina 1-2 Roma

Expect Pjanic to be at the heart of everything Roma do. He'll create enough chances for Garcia's men to snatch the points.