Prediction: Chelsea vs AS Roma

Verdict: Draw at HT, Chelsea at FT – yes

Best Odds: 3/1

Bookmaker: bet365

Chelsea and AS Roma will collide this Wednesday at Stamford Bridge. An authentic battle of giants will meet two attacking-minded teams, and there is a lot at stake. Whoever wins this game will move closer to clinching a berth in the tournament’s next round. Kick-off is scheduled at 19:45 BST, and Damir Skomina will be the referee.

Chelsea

Chelsea have looked like two different teams if we compare their form in the UEFA Champions League and the English Premier League. In the continental stage they have won their two matches against Qarabag and Atletico Madrid, but their domestic run has been quite poor. They actually lost two games at home already – against Burnley and Manchester City – and have not looked even remotely close to the side that cruised their way in the EPL only a few months ago. Antonio Conte has not found the right combination of players to make things work, and they have struggled to score since the departure of Diego Costa. But so far those problems have not been replicated in Europe, where they have scored eight times while only allowing just once. Which side will show up this Wednesday?

Team News

Antonio Conte has three confirmed absentees ahead of this pivotal European encounter.

N’Golo Kante (thigh), Victor Moses (muscle), and Danny Drinkwater (calf) are out due to injury. As a result, Conte will have to find solutions to bolster their midfield.

AS Roma

Roma are unbeaten after their first two games in the UEFA Champions League, and they would move to the top of the standings in case they escape with a win on London soil. There are chances to believe Roma can pull the upset, though. They have won their four away matches across all competitions this season, and they were riding a seven-game undefeated streak prior to their loss against Napoli this past weekend. But in order to get a positive result, they need to be at their best on both ends of the pitch. And that includes a good performance from their star striker Edin Dzeko. The Bosnia international has been on torrid form of late thanks to seven goals in the last six league matches, but he is yet to score against Chelsea in nine previous appearances against The Blues. Considering Roma will be quite depleted on the attack, the Serie A side needs a good outing from Dzeko if they want to have a shot at pulling the upset on the road.

Team News

Roma will have several absentees ahead of this match. Gregory Defrel, Kostas Manolas, and Abdullahi Nura will miss the game due to thigh problems.

Stephan El Shaarawy (groin), Emerson (knee), and Patrik Schick (undisclosed) are doubtful. All three require late-fitness tests to determine their availability.

Key Factors to Consider

• The last time these teams shared the same Champions League group was back in 2008. Both teams won their respective home matches.
• Chelsea have looked uncharacteristically average at home, and they have already lost twice at Stamford Bridge this season.
• On the other hand, Roma have looked impressive on the road thanks to three consecutive league wins away from Stadio Olimpico.
• Each of the last four Chelsea matches have seen at least 2.5 goals scored.
• Edin Dezko started the season on top form with seven goals in his last six Serie A matches. However, he is yet to score against Chelsea in nine matches prior to this one.

Conclusion

Chelsea have not been very good at home, but they have won their first two Champions League match. They appear as a viable candidate to clinch the top spot in the group stage.

Roma will be a tough opponent, but The Blues should not have problems to leave the three points at home.

Verdict: Draw at HT, Chelsea at FT – yes

Best Odds: 3/1

Bookmaker: bet365