All the problems Real Madrid have encountered this season have come away from home. Roma haven't lost a single match so far this season, so I am predicting a stalemate in the Italian capital.
Key Stats
- Roma have drawn 3 of their last 4 matches.
- Real Madrid have lost 2 of their last 3 away matches.
Los Blancos Lead H2H
These two European giants locked horns 12 times so far, and Real Madrid have an 8-3 advantage in terms of victories.
Roma Unbeaten This Season
Roma snatched a point in their UEFA Champions League opening match against Fenerbahce (1-1) where the opposition missed a couple of big chances to claim the spoils (had 0.47-1.58 xG and 1-3 in goal chances).
Gian Piero Gasperini's side is having a good run in the Italian Serie A so far, collecting 14 out of possible 18 points, conceding just three goals in six games and currently sit in 3rd place.
They wasted a 2-0 lead against Inter Milan just before the international break (the game ended in a 2-2 draw), while returning to action last weekend with a goalless draw at Como where Donyell Malen was sent off early in the second half.
Real Madrid Losing Two Games on the Road
Real Madrid's clash against Inter Milan was arguably the most interesting game of the UCL opening round, Los Blancos taking a 2-1 victory at home thanks to early goals of Kylian Mbappe and Federico Valverde.
Jose Mourinho's side suffered a painful 2-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid just before the international break which ended their three-game winning streak.
Real Madrid returned to action on Saturday, beating Villarreal 1-0 at home in a match full of controversies. Yan Diomande was the sole scorer, while Vinicius Junior was sent off in the 73rd minute.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Roma (3-4-2-1) Pierluigi Gollini; Gianluca Mancini, Evan Ndicka, Mario Hermoso; Nahuel Molina, Manu Kone, Marten de Roon, Wesley Gassova; Paulo Dybala, Matias Soule; Donyell Malen
Roma have to contend with first-choice goalkeeper Mile Svilar missing out due to a fractured toe, leaving Pierluigi Gollini to start in goal. Furthermore, Bryan Cristante faces a late fitness test on a knee issue.
Roma have to contend with first-choice goalkeeper Mile Svilar missing out due to a fractured toe, leaving Pierluigi Gollini to start in goal. Furthermore, Bryan Cristante faces a late fitness test on a knee issue.
Real Madrid (4-2-3-1) Thibaut Courtois; Denzel Dumfries, Ibrahima Konate, Antonio Rudiger, Alvaro Carreras; Federico Valverde, Bernardo Silva; Arda Guler, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior; Kylian Mbappe
Real Madrid have arrived in Rome missing Eder Militao, Ferland Mendy, Rodrygo, and Raul Asencio due to injuries, while Bernardo Silva is available for selection after serving a suspension.
Real Madrid have arrived in Rome missing Eder Militao, Ferland Mendy, Rodrygo, and Raul Asencio due to injuries, while Bernardo Silva is available for selection after serving a suspension.