Barcelona host Italian side Roma in the first leg of their Champions League quarter final tie on Wednesday evening, with the La Liga leaders being the favourites to lift the famous trophy come the end of the season. However, with their opponents having impressed in the competition also, it promises to be an exciting encounter at the Camp Nou.
Champions League – Camp Nou, Barcelona – Wednesday 4th April – 19:45 UK Time
Barcelona vs AS Roma Match Preview
The Champions League quarter finals get underway this week, with Barcelona taking on Roma in Spain on Wednesday evening. The duo are both hoping to head to Italy next week with a positive result under their belts, with managers Ernesto Valverde and Eusebio Di Francesco looking to gain a tactical advantage for their team. For those still unsure of who to back ahead of kick-off, be sure to check out our top betting tip below. However, let’s first take a closer look at the two teams, starting with the home side.
Barcelona Team News & Form
Late goals from Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi in their draw with Sevilla at the weekend means that Barcelona remain unbeaten in the Spanish top-flight this season, with Valverde’s men now having one hand on the trophy already. The European giants have been in fine form in Europe also, making them the favourites for the Champions League with many. The hosts will be without midfielder Sergio Busquets due to injury, along with left back Lucas Digne.
Roma Team News & Form
Roma were held to a draw by Bologna in Serie A over the weekend, meaning that they now sit third in the standings, some 18 points behind league leaders Juventus. However, having beaten Shakhtar Donetsk in the previous round of the Champions League, the Italians will be quietly confident of causing an upset against Barcelona, with the form of striker Edin Dzeko just one reason behind this. However, with the likes of Radja Nainggolan, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Cengiz Ünder facing fitness battles ahead of kick-off, manager Di Francesco faces some tricky decisions surrounding his starting eleven.
Barcelona vs AS Roma Head to Head
The two teams have met just three times in the past, with Roma still searching for a first win over their Spanish opponents. Barcelona have recorded two wins and one draw from such encounters, including a 6-1 success over the Italians back in November 2015, with Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi both scoring twice that day.
Barcelona vs AS Roma Betting Odds and Predictions
Given their home status and their performances so far this season, it comes as little surprise that it is Barcelona who are the firm favourites for victory this week. The home side can be backed for victory at best odds of 2/9 with bookmaker William Hill, while those looking to bet on a surprise success for Roma can get a price of 14/1 on the same platform. Meanwhile, a draw between the two is available at odds of 6/1 with Ladbrokes.
Top Barcelona vs AS Roma Betting Tip
However, our top betting tip for the match is to bet there being under 2.5 goals during the 90 minutes this week, with odds of 17/10 available at William Hill.