Roma's start to the new campaign is stunning, winning all three games while posting slightly over 9.00 expected goals. Fenerbahce already slipped twice in Turkey, so I will back the Italian side here.
Key Stats
- Fenerbahce have lost 2 of their last 4 matches (Super Lig).
- Roma have won their last 8 matches.
- Roma’s Donyell Malen has scored 5 goals in his last 3 matches.
This Will be Their Second H2H Match
Fenerbahce and Roma locked horns in a friendly match in August 2014, the game ended in a 3-3 draw.
Fenerbahce Not Looking Great in Turkey
This is the first UCL group stage appearance for Fenerbahce since 2009 and they had to eliminate three teams to reach it (Gornik Zabrze 2-1, Sturm Graz 3-0 and Lyon 3-2 on aggregate).
The Yellow Canaries are not playing that great in the Super Lig though, starting the new campaign with a 2-1 road loss to Genclerbirligi, followed by two straight wins over Konyaspor 4-2 and Samsunspor 2-0.
Another setback was recorded last weekend in the Istanbul derby, losing at home to Besiktas 2-1 where they gained an early lead through Milan Skriniar. This was probably the worst performance this season for Ismail Kartal's side, posting just 0.59 xG.
Roma's Confidence is High
Roma are off to a fantastic start in Serie A, claiming three victories in three matches and currently hold top of the table with an impressive 10-1 goal difference.
They crushed Fiorentina 4-0 in the opening round, posting 3.07-0.35 expected goals where Donyell Malen stole the spotlight after scoring three times.
He scored a brace in the second round against Lecce where Roma won 4-0, while Giallorossi pulled a big comeback to beat Atalanta 2-1 last weekend, scoring twice in stoppage time.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Fenerbahce (4-2-3-1) Ederson; Mert Muldur, Milan Skriniar, Nathan Ake, Archie Brown; Ismail Yuksek, NGolo Kante; Kerem Akturkoglu, Mason Greenwood, Oguz Aydin; Vedat Muriqi
Matteo Guendouzi serves a UEFA suspension while Marco Asensio, Jayden Oosterwolde, and goalkeeper Mert Gunok remain sidelined through injury.
Matteo Guendouzi serves a UEFA suspension while Marco Asensio, Jayden Oosterwolde, and goalkeeper Mert Gunok remain sidelined through injury.
Roma (3-4-2-1) Mile Svilar; Gianluca Mancini, Evan NDicka, Mario Hermoso; Nahuel Molina, Bryan Cristante, Manu Kone, Wesley Franca; Paulo Dybala, Matias Soule; Donyell Malen
Lorenzo Pellegrini remaining a doubt due to a hip strain and he is the only injury concern for the visitors. Donyell Malen (five goals) and Paulo Dybala (four assists) are having a great start to the new season.
Lorenzo Pellegrini remaining a doubt due to a hip strain and he is the only injury concern for the visitors. Donyell Malen (five goals) and Paulo Dybala (four assists) are having a great start to the new season.