Roma v Barcelona predictions, tips, lineups and free bets (Champions League - 16.9.2015)

Wednesday, 16 September 2015 13:00
Written by David Bet

Barcelona begin their Champions League defence with a trip to Stadio Olimpico to face Roma on Wednesday on Wednesday night, and so Luis Enrique will make a return to the club he previously managed. Find below our ROMA v BARCELONA match preview with betting tips, predictions, best odds, probable lineups, bookie promotions and exclusive no deposit free bets!

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ROMA v BARCELONA BETTING PREVIEW

Roma go into the game off the back of a narrow win against Frosinone last Saturday. Before the International break, the Giallorossi beat 3-0 the current Serie A champions Juventus who were runners up to Barca in the UCL last season. They now sit second in the league with 7 points from the first three fixture.

Key midfielder Miralem Pjanic has failed to recover from a muscle problem while Radja Nainggolan who is battling to make a return to the side at the possible expense of Seydou Keita. Salih Ucan is doubtful with a bout of flu. Former Chelsea winger Salah, Gervinho and Iago Falque will probably be deployed behind lone striker Dzeko.

Barcelona enter this game high on confidence having notched a vital winner against Atletico Madrid last time out. Anyway, the Blaugrana have so far won the UEFA Super Cup but lost the Spanish Super Cup, while all three wins at the start of the La Liga campaign were very narrow.

Gerard Pique, who has been absent with suspension in the league, should start in defence at the expense of Thomas Vermaelen, who picked up an injury early on against Atletico. Goalkeeper Claudio Bravo and Dani Alves will miss the match due to injury and Sergi Roberto is likely to continue to deputise out of position at right-back. Neymar, Luis Suarez and Leo Messi will lead the attack once again.

These two measured forces in a pre-season Joan Gamper Trophy exhibition match at Camp Nou last month, which Barcelona easily won by 3-0. Roma have failed to win their last 5 matches in the Champions League last year after beating CSKA 5-1 while Barcelona have won 10 of their last 11 matches in this competition.