CSKA Moscow v Roma – Preview: Giallorossi hope to continue reign over Russia

Date: 25th November 2014 at 9:30am
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Rudi Garcia and his Roma side make the trip to Russia to face CSKA Moscow in their vital Champions League Group E clash on Tuesday evening.

Both sides currently find themselves on four points from their first four matches in the competition, and a win could put the Italian side within touching distance of the knockout phase of the tournament for the first time since the 2010/11 campaign.

Garcia’s men had started the season in promising fashion, however, the demolition at the hands of Bayern Munich sparked a run of poor results for the title contenders. His side will be looking to emulate their level of performance from the corresponding home tie against the Russian side as they ran out as triumphant 5-1 victors.

As well as winning the previous meeting this season, Roma fans will hoping to continue their strong record in Russia as they have won on each of their previous three trips to the country, and in all seven of their meetings with Russian opposition they have only fallen to defeat once.

Tuesday’s hosts will also take confidence into the game after their last European outing, a game which saw them take an unexpected three points away from a trip to Manchester City, a result which looks to have destroyed the English side’s chances of progression.

They will be looking to ignore their relatively poor home form against Italian opposition, as they have in fact won more games in Italy than at home to Serie A opponents. Unfortunately, for the Russian side their domestic form has not lived up to that of the Champions League and they come into the game having suffered three consecutive league defeats.

After a tricky month in October, the Giallorossi appear to be finding their form again with wins either side of the international break, against Torino and Atalanta, respectively.

CSKA face no immediate suspension concerns, but a booking on Tuesday night will see Eremenko suspended for the final group game against leaders Bayern. Bebras Natcho and Rasmus Elm will both sit the game out through injury, while Vitinho returned to the side as they fell to defeat at the hands of FC Mordovia Saransk on November 16.

For Roma, Radja Nainggolan and Maicon will also be looking to avoid picking up a yellow card, as that will see them miss, what could be, a winner takes all clash with Manchester City at the Stadio Olimpico in matchday six of the Group Stage. Roma face no injury doubts and have recently welcomed Davide Astori and long term injury absentee Kevin Strootman back into contention for a starting place.

Expected Starting XIs

CSKA Moscow (4-2-3-1): Akinfeev; Mario Fern, Berezutski, Ignashevich, Schennikov; Dzagoev, Wernbloom; Tosic, Eremenko, Milanov; Doumbia.

Roma (4-3-3): De Sanctis; Maicon, Manolas, Astori, Cole; Keita, De Rossi, Nainggolan; Gervinho, Totti, Ljajic.

 

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