AS Roma and Chelsea meet for the second time in just two weeks as the two team’s face-off at the Stadio Olimpico. The duo are vying for top spot in Group C of the Champions League, with the duo heading into the encounter unbeaten from their three matches in the competition to date.
Champions League – Stadio Olimpico, Rome – Tuesday 31st October – 19:45 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 13/5 at Skybet |
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Roma
ChelseaChelsea have been the stars of Group C so far, however they were brought back down to earth against Roma at Stamford Bridge last week, with the Londoner’s needing a late Eden Hazard goal to rescue a point. With Roma playing in their own back yard this time around, the emphasis will be on the Italian giants to go for broke against the reigning Premier League champions. Former Italy boss Antonio Conte is more than familiar with this Roma side, however this is an encounter that is perhaps too close to call leading into it. Both teams won their league fixtures at the weekend, only adding to the uncertainty surrounding their upcoming clash.
AS Roma Team News & Form
Former Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko scored twice at Stamford Bridge last week, with the Bosnian likely to lead the line for Roma once again. Elsewhere, having returned from injury in West London, Kevin Strootman is likely to team up with the likes of Daniele De Rossi and Radja Nainggolan in midfield for Eusebio Di Francesco’s men. Roma have won six out their first eight Serie A matches this season, with the Rome-based club having the joint-best defensive record in the division. However, with three of their five Champions League goals having come against Chelsea last week, the pressure will be on Roma’s attacking players to deliver on the biggest stage.
Chelsea Team News & Form
Chelsea produced a magnificent recovery to defeat Watford in the Premier League last time around, however the absence of N’Golo Kante continues the be a problem for Antonio Conte’s side. The Frenchman is unlikely to be fit to return at the Stadio Olimpico, with the likes of Cecs Fabregas and Tiémoué Bakayoko set to continue in the starting eleven. Champions League victories over Qarabag and Atletico Madrid have left the blues in a strong position in Group C, with another three points securing their place in the latter stages of the competition. Having scored twice at the weekend, Belgian striker Michy Batshuayi is pressing for a start, however Alvaro Morata is likely to continue in the lone-attacking position.
Head to Head
The two teams played out an entertaining 3-3 draw at Stamford Bridge last week, with Roma having previously defeated Chelsea comfortably at the Stadio Olimpico back in 2008. However, that is the Italian side’s only competitive win over the Premier League side in history.
Betting Odds and Predictions
Given the encounter between the two teams last time around, another entertaining tie is expected in the Italian capital. Betting on there being over 5.5 goals again is available at best odds of 9/1 at Ladbrokes, with a goalless draw available at 12/5 with the same bookmaker. Elsewhere, those looking to back an away win can find odds of 13/8 at Ladbrokes.
Top Betting Tip
However, our top betting tip for the match is to bet on both teams to score, which is available at appealing odds of 11/4 at Ladbrokes.