UEFA Champions League preview: AS Roma – Bayern Munich
Gilarossi looking to early qualification
Roma made a woeful start to their latest season and their opening game in the primary continental competition was no different. Gilarossi slumped to a 2 – 0 defeat at Allianz Arena as last year’s finalists, Bayern Munich, prevailed at Allianz Arena. The
ultra-defensive was even criticized by club captain Francesco Totti. On match day two, Lupi defeated Cluj by a narrow 2 – 1 score line at home only to be humiliated by travelling FC Basel at home; the score line read 3 – 1 against Gilarossi. However, Ranieri
made amends with a victory in Basel as Romans won an entertaining game by a 3 – 2 score line.
Group E is far from decided as Basel, Cluj and Roma all gunning for a place in the knock-out stage. Romans have the edge in this regard as they are second in the group with six points while Cluj and Basel have three points.
Gilarossi will welcome the Bavarian giants in knowledge that a victory coupled with a Basel – Cluj stalemate will seal them a position in the next round. Louis Van Gaal’s side are already guaranteed a spot in the next round and will only play for their pride.
However, nothing can be taken for granted in Champions League.
Not much to play for
Bayern Munich have hit the ground running in elite continental competition this season around. Last year’s finalists are already guaranteed qualification in the next round as they have a perfect record. Van Gaal’s men have recorded four victories in as many
games and have already scored 11 goals. Bavarian giants will look to rest some key players in this game as the trip to Stadio Olimpico is nothing more than an exhibition game.
Bayern’s domestic form has been woeful to say the least as the reigning Champions find themselves staggering at eighth spot in the league with winter break already approaching. Injuries to key players like Arjen Robben, Franck Rbery and Mark Van Bommel has
taken its toll. Bayern are already 14 points off the pace and this dead rubber will give Van Gaal a chance to rest his key players and give fringe players a chance.
Team News
AS Roma
Rodrigo Taddei is still struggling with injuries for Roma while Adriano and Juan are doubtful participants. On a positive note, Daniele De Rossi has recovered from a knock he received on International duty and will play from the off.
Bayern Munich
Van Gaal is without a host of key players for this trip. Van Bommel, Holger Badstuber,Miroslav Klose, Arjen Robben and Ivica Olic are all out injured. Talismanic midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger is suspended for this game but Martin Demichelis and Franck
Ribery will be welcome additions for Die Roten.
Key Players
Jeremy Menez
The former AS Monaco winger has found a new lease of life under Claudio Ranieri following years of under achievement. The winger has put in some mesmerising displays in Serie A and will be eager to add further stars to his burgeoning profile.
Franck Ribery
The mercurial winger, when fit, is one of the best wingers in the world and there is no arguing that. Ribery has been unlucky this year with injuries consistently hampering his game. Van Gaal is expected to start a rusty Ribery from the off and he will be
a handful for the resolute Roman defence.
Prediction
Roma are a completely different side from the one that fell down meekly to Bayern earlier in the season. Bayern meanwhile are struggling to find their best form. A second string Bayern Munich will still give Roma a tough time but Gilarossi should eke out
a 2 – 1 victory.
Tags: