AS Roma must have been cursing their luck when they were drawn in a group with Bayern Munich, Manchester City and CSKA Moscow on their return to the Champions League, but, so far, things have all gone swimmingly. They started their campaign with a 5-1 demolition of the Russian side, and followed it up with a very respectable draw away in Manchester. However, Tuesday brings their biggest test yet.
AS Roma vs. Bayern Munich, 2014 UEFA Champions League: Team news and game preview
The highlight of Tuesday’s Champions League action sees Roma host Bayern Munich at the Olimpico.
Paolo Bruno
Bayern Munich sit top of the group after two games and two wins, and though they did manage to only beat both City and CSKA 1-0, they're still pretty clearly the pick of this bunch. Pep Guardiola's side have hit their stride after a slightly dodgy start to the season, winning their last five games on the bounce. Discounting their defeat to Borussia Dortmund in the Super Cup, they haven't lost a competitive game since Real Madri dumped them out of this tournament last season.
Key player - Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich)
Bayern’s attack will almost certainly be spearheaded by their star striker Robert Lewandowski, who after the Polish international recovered from an injury scare from the recent international break. He’s scored four goals in seven Bundesliga matches so far this season, and he’s undoubtedly one of the best forwards on the planet at present. Roma won’t find it easy to keep him quiet.
Key matchup - Gervinho vs. David Alaba
Roma’s most dangerous attacking player so far this season has been winger Gervinho, who in this match will likely be up against David Alaba -- a man who could reasonably claim to be the best left-back in world football at present. However, Alaba does like to charge forward into attacking positions, which is something Gervinho will no doubt be keen to exploit on the counter-attack.
AS Roma injuries and suspensions
Out: Federico Balzaretti (pelvis), Kevin Strootman (knee). In doubt: Leandro Castán (unspecified), Seydou Keita (calf), Juan Iturbe, Davide Astori (knee).
Bayern Munich injuries and suspensions
Out: Thiago Alcántara, Javi Martínez (knee), Pepe Reina (calf), Holger Badstuber (thigh). In doubt: Bastian Schweinsteiger (knee).
Roma will still be without Kevin Strootman and Federico Balzaretti, but they could have a wave of defensive reinforcements returning with Davide Astori and Leandro Castán preparing to return to action. Juan Iturbe will also likely be available once again. Bayern will be without midfield stars Thiago Alcántara and Javi Martínez with long-term problems, but, in better news, Bastian Schweinsteiger has now returned to first team training.
Match Date/Time: Tuesday, 8:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET
Venue: Stadio Olimpico, Rome, Italy
TV: Fox Soccer Plus, Fox Sports regional networks (U.S.), Sportsnet One (Canada), Sky Sports 1/HD (U.K.), Sky (Italy and Germany)
Online: Fox Soccer 2Go, ESPN3 Online-App (U.S.), Sportsnet World Now (Canada), Sky Go (U.K., Italy and Germany)
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