Roma vs Chelsea - as it happened: Italians put Antonio Conte's men to the sword in Champions League clash
Re-live all the action from the Stadio Olimpico
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Your support makes all the difference.Chelsea head to Rome tonight hopeful of sealing qualification for the Champions League knockout stages.
Currently top of Group C with seven points from three games, a victory for the Blues against Roma would guarantee qualification for the last-16 if Atletico Madrid also fail to earn three points against Qarabag in the Spanish capital.
The West Londoners will appreciate how difficult this task may prove, however, following the thrilling 3-3 draw played out between these two sides when they met two weeks ago at Stamford Bridge. Braces from Eden Hazard and ex-Manchester City frontman Edin Dzeko made for an exciting encounter that night, but both sides will endeavour to provide improved defensive displays in the second leg of their double header.
As a result - despite playing only two full days ago in their 1-0 away win at Bournemouth, and with a crucial clash with Manchester United this weekend - expect Chelsea boss Antonio Conte to field a strong team. The Italian, who knows first-hand how intimidating playing away at the Stadio Olimpico can be after spending over 15 years in Serie A as a player and manager, may be tempted to return midfielder N’Golo Kante to the starting XI after a four-game absence.
Roma, without defenders Kostas Manolas and Rick Karsdorp, will be aiming to continue their unbeaten form in the competition so far this season, knowing that a single win over either Chelsea or Atletico will be enough to secure progression.
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What time does it start?
Roma vs Chelsea kicks off at 19:45
Where can I watch it?
The match will be shown live on BT Sport 2 from 19:00. Highlights will be shown at 22:15 on BT Sport 2.
It’s a big game for…
Antonio Rudiger. Having enjoyed two effective seasons with Roma, the German only played 13 minutes as a substitute against his former employers two weeks ago. He is likely to be entrusted with a full 90 in a wing-back role by Conte this evening on his return to the Stadio Olimpico.
Best stat…
5. Chelsea have suffered a five-game winless streak away to Italian clubs in the Champions League, losing four and drawing one, with the Blues conceding at least two goals on each of those occasions.
Remember when…
Okay, it was only two weeks ago, but you shouldn’t need an excuse to re-watch this stunning left-foot volley from Edin Dzeko. Some good commentary too...
Player to watch…
Alvaro Morata. After a misreported confession that he was unsettled in London, the Spaniard has dramatically reaffirmed his commitment to Chelsea for ten more years, if they’ll have him. Following seven goals in his first seven games for Antonio Conte’s side, the striker has suffered for rhythm after sustaining a thigh strain against Manchester City. He would love to rediscover some of his best form against Roma, a side he has failed to score against in five previous attempts.
Three previous meetings…
Chelsea 3 (Luiz, Hazard x2) Roma 3 (Kolarov, Dzeko x2), Champions League, October 2017
Roma 3 (Panucci, Vucinic x2) Chelsea 1 (Terry), Champions League, November 2008
Chelsea 1 (Terry) Roma 0, Champions League, October 2008
Form guide…
Roma: WLDWWW
Chelsea: LLDWWW
Odds…
Roma: 17/10
Chelsea: 13/8
Draw: 27/11
Good evening and welcome to another night of Champions League football. Both Manchester United and Chelsea can qualify for the knockout stage of the competition tonight, so if things go well, fans could be booking time off work for mid-February come full time.
Team news
Scott McTominay makes a surprise start for Manchester United alongside Nemanja Matic. Luke Shaw and Marcus Rashford start on the bench.
Team News
N'Golo Kante is not fit enough to play for Chelsea. Antonio Conte hinted he could feature but he is not in the squad. Danny Drinkwater is named on the bench.
Scott McTominay
Manchester United's latest academy gem is Scott McTominay who is making his Champions League debut tonight after impressing in the League Cup against Swansea and Burton. He signed for Manchester United as a striker when he was just five years old, yes you read that right!
"He is ready"
Jose Mourinho to BT Sport: "We have only 3 midfield players and we managed to give 60 minutes rest for Matic when we played Swansea. Herrera is playing every match so it's time for him to have a little break.
On Scott McTominay: "Today is a big match and a big occasion for him. If we play him, we believe that his answer can be positive and he is ready."
What do United need?
If Manchester United are through to the last 16 if they beat Benfica tonight and CSKA Moscow fail to beat Basil. A draw will be enough to United if they draw and CSKA Moscow lose.
The teams are emerging from the tunnel and kick off is minutes away. We'll be providing minute-by-minute coverage on Manchester United vs Benfica as well as updates from Chelsea's clash with Rome.
Ahhh the Champions League anthem. That beautiful song will never get old.
1 min: And they're offf. Manchester United kick off matchday four in the Champions League.
2 mins: Juan Mata has started in an right attacking midfield role leaving Jesse Lingard at number 10.
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