Barcelona vs Roma - Preview, Live stream & TV channel info, Team News, Prediction, Betting odds

Barcelona take on Roma where even a draw would help secure qualification to the Round of 16

The fifth round of the Champions League group fixtures in Group E sees Barcelona taking on AS Roma on Tuesday night. The Catalan club have a healthy 5-point lead and sit top of the group and they need only a point to secure qualification.

Meanwhile, Roma’s qualification could depend on the result between Bayer Leverkusen and BATE Borisov. A win for Roma would secure qualification provided the other fixture ends in a draw.

Kickoff and Live Telecast

Date & Time: Tuesday, 24 November 2015 – 20:45 (Wednesday – 1:15 AM IST)

Venue: Camp Nou

Telecast: Ten Cricket

Live stream: tensports.com

Team News

Barcelona will be buoyed by the return of Lionel Messi, who made his first appearance in two months after coming on during the Clasico against Real Madrid. But manager Luis Enrique did not make promises on whether the Argentine forward would start the match. “He seemed in very good shape to me,” Enrique said, according to BBC. “All that is needed now is to charge his batteries.” Sergi Roberto had started the Clasico before Messi was brought on.

However, Enrique confirmed they would be playing without Javier Mascherano in the squad after he picked up an injury in the 4-0 thrashing of Real Madrid. The defender was unable to train ahead of the midweek clash which means Jeremy Mathieu could partner Gerard Pique at the back. Rafinha and Douglas remain sidelined with injuries.

AS Roma have injury concerns of their own, especially up front. Francesco Totti, Gervinho (thigh) and Mohamed Salah (ankle) are all injured while Elio Capradossi and Kevin Strootman are also not available to Rudi Garcia. Daniele De Rossi is still not fully fit after suffering a thigh injury and may only come on as a substitute. This could give Seydou Keita a chance to play against his former club.

Probable Lineups

Barcelona (4-3-3): Ter Stegen, Alves, Pique, Mathieu, Alba, Busquets, Rakitic, Iniesta, Neymar, Roberto, Suarez

AS Roma (4-3-3): Szczesny, Maicon, Rudiger, Manolas, Digne, Keita, Pjanic, Nainggolan, Florenzi, Iturbe, Dzeko

Barcelona vs AS Roma - Probable Starting XIs

Team Form

Barcelona head into this game on a high after beating arch-rivals Real Madrid 4-0 in La Liga. The win gave them a six-point lead over Rafa Benitez’s side while they now hold a 4-point lead over second-placed Atletico Madrid in the table. The Catalan club haven't conceded a goal in their last five matches, scoring 12 goals in the process having also beaten BATE Borisov, Getafe and Villarreal.

Last 5 matches: D-W-W-W-W (Last match: Real Madrid 0-4 Barcelona)

Roma have had a mixed run of form compared to their opponents. In the last five matches, they have had three wins, losing to Inter Milan and drawing with Bologna after conceding a late penalty. The draw saw them fail to capitalise on a chance to move up to second place in Serie A. They currently sit in fourth place – three points behind Inter Milan.

Last 5 matches: W-L-W-W-D (Last match: Bologna 2-2 Roma)

Key Stats

• Barcelona have a win percentage of 86% in the last 15 Champions League matches – they have won 13.
• Roma have never lost to Barcelona in the Champions League (or European Cup). In three fixtures, Roma have won once and drawn twice.
• Roma have had a poor away record of late. In the last seven matches, they have lost three and drawn the other four.
• Barcelona have a good record at home against Italian teams. They are undefeated in their last nine matches (W7, D2).
• Neymar has scored six goals in his last four matches in all competitions. He has scored in all four matches.

Key Battles

Luis Suarez vs Kostas Manolas

Suarez has been in fine form for Barcelona and has taken up the goalscoring mantle alongside Neymar in Messi’s absence. The Uruguayan striker has scored 15 goals in all competitions already (including 3 in the Champions League) and will be up against Roma’s Kostas Manolas. The defender has averaged 3.5 tackles and 3 interceptions per game in the Champions League this season and he will be on his guard as Roma look to keep Suarez quiet.

Luis Suarez (L) will be up against Kostas Manolas (R)

Andres Iniesta vs Seydou Keita

After putting in a master-class performance against Real Madrid, a performance which saw him get a standing ovation from the Bernabeu faithful, all eyes will again be on Iniesta in midfield. The Spanish midfielder has averaged 4 long balls per game in the Champions League, always looking to release the attacking duo of Neymar and Suarez who play on the shoulder of defenders. Former teammate Seydou Keita will be tasked with ensuring Iniesta has a quiet night at the Camp Nou.

Prediction

Since Barcelona are playing at home, expect them to win this one easily and secure qualification for the Round of 16. Roma’s away record also doesn’t help and although they managed to draw the previous fixture 1-1, that scoreline looks highly unlikely unless Barcelona have a bad night at the Camp Nou.

Predicted score: Barcelona 3-0 Roma

Betting Odds (from bet365)

Barcelona – 2/7

Draw – 11/2

Roma – 10/1