AS Roma vs FC Porto
2016/ 17 Champions League Play-Off.
Date: Tuesday, 23 August, 2016.
Kick-Off: 19:45 UK,
Venue: Stadio Olimpico (Rome).


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The finale for the Champions League play-off between AS Roma and FC Porto is set at Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday night as both teams resume the tip tied at 1-1

The cagey first leg clash between these two sides at the Estadio Do Dragao finished in a 1-1 stalemate. An own goal from Porto defender Felipe granted the visiting Serie A side a 1-0 lead in the 21st minute. The hosts found result for the fight back in the second half as a penalty from Andre Silva in the 61st minute set an interesting second half clash at Rome on Tuesday evening.

AS Roma: Team News

Thomas Vermaelen is suspended for the second leg clash after getting sending off in the 41st minute of the first leg clash last week.

Antonio Rudiger is out with an injury, which opens the door for Emerson Palmieri or Federico Fazio to partner Kostas Manolas in center defense.

Wojciech Szczesny is expected to start ahead of Alisson, who started in the first leg clash at Estadio Do Dragao.

AS Roma: Predicted Line-up (4-3-3)

Szczesny – Jesus, Fazio, Manolas, Florenzi – Strootman, De Rossi, Nainggolan – Perotti. Salah, Dzeko.

FC Porto: Team News

Mexican international Miguel Layun is expected to start at left back position following his impressive display in the weekend league fixture against Estoril.

Sergio Oliveira is back from Olympics and is a strong contendor to start in the midfield.


FC Porto: Predicted Line-up (4-3-3)

Casillas – Layun, Marcano, Felipe, Pereira – Danilo, Oliveira, Herrera – Corona, Silva, Adrian.

Roma vs Porto: Head-to-Head Stats

The first leg fixture between Roma and Porto on 17th August 2016 was their first meeting in 15 years. The previous meeting was during the second round of UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup in 1981 which Porto won on a 2-0 aggregate. The match at Rome saw a 0-0 stalemate, while Porto won their home match to secure progress to the next round.

So, Porto are undefeated in three UEFA fixtures against Roma with a win and two draws.

Porto has a poor record while playing in Italy as they lost in 6 of the 12 ties, winning and drawing 3 each.

Roma’s record against Portuguese sides at home is 3 wins, 2 draws and a loss from 6 matches.

Roma vs Porto: Prediction

Roma will go into the game in a confident mood after the 4-0 thrashing of Udinese in the weekend. They have some injury concerns but the key players are all available. Moreover, the Italian giants have transformed into a strong team at home under Luciano Spalletti and they must be considered favourites to win this one.

Porto on the other hand could progress to the group stages if they manage a high scoring draw. Their struggled to scored against a lowly Estoril in the weekend league fixture, which is a big concern for Nuno Santo going into this game.

However, I expect both teams to score here and Roma to held their nerves and gain a narrow 2-1 win at full time whistle.