AS Roma return to the Champions League after three years away on Wednesday, as they welcome CSKA Moscow to the Stadio Olimpico. Both sides will be desperate for all three points, as Bayern Munich and Manchester City are the two other sides that make up this season's group of death. Roma are early favourites to win this match, but with CSKA boasting a fine selection of talented attackers, the Russian champions shouldn't be counted out.
AS Roma vs. CSKA Moscow, 2014 UEFA Champions League: Team news and game preview
Roma mark their return to the Champions League at home to CSKA Moscow on Wednesday.
Key player - Francesco Totti (AS Roma)
Francesco Totti turns 38 in just over a week, but he’s still quite possibly Roma’s most important player. The captain is invariably used through the middle of Rudi García’s attacking trident, with his incredible vision and incisive passing meaning he’s always able to pick out runs from his deeper teammates. Keeping him quiet is essential to disrupting the giallorossi’s attacking play.
Key matchup - Ahmed Musa vs. Roma’s right-back
CSKA have used Nigerian starlet Ahmed Musa both out on the left flank and as a centre-forward so far this season. He's most natural on the wing, where his pace and skill ensures he's a nightmare for opposition full-backs. If he's up against the notoriously attack-minded Maicon, Musa could prove to be an excellent outlet for CSKA. However, it wouldn't be a surprise if García starts Vasilis Torosidis on the right of his side's defence instead.
AS Roma injuries and suspensions
Out: Daniele De Rossi (suspended), Kevin Strootman (knee), Federico Balzaretti (pelvis). In doubt: None.
CSKA Moscow injuries and suspensions
Out: Alan Dzagoev, Pontus Wernbloom (suspended), Rasmus Elm (stomach), Georgi Schennikov, Vitinho (ankle). In doubt: None.
Roma will be without star defensive midfielder Daniele De Rossi, while long-term problems will mean Kevin Strootman and Federico Balzaretti are both still unavailable. However, CSKA have a string of absentees too. Alan Dzagoev and Pontus Wernbloom are both suspended for the entire first half of the group stages, while Rasmus Elm, Georgi Schennikov and Vitinho are all out injured.
Match Date/Time: Wednesday, 8:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET
Venue: Stadio Olimpico, Rome, Italy
TV: Sky Sports Red Button (U.K.), NTV+ Sport, NTV Russia (Russia)
Online: ESPN3 Online-App, Fox Soccer 2Go (U.S.), Sportsnet World Now (Canada), Sky Go (U.K.) Sky Go Italia (Italy), NTV+ Sport Online (Russia)
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