Wobbly Roma won't let it slip
This a must win match for a Roma side that need to get their Champions League campaign underway with a win. Their opponents on matchday two are Czech side Viktoria Plzen and it should be a dead cert that Roma will bag a win in this one. But depending on what they’re like on the day it could be a rough ride.
Roma
When Roma travelled to the Spanish capital, their rivals Real were undoubtedly dominant. Now the Italians will have to get the job done at home to avoid losing serious ground in their Champions League group.
Last time these two met Roma came out on top
Roma are dominant at home having gone nine games without a loss at the Olimpico. They’ll be coming at the Czechs even stronger after winning the derby against Lazio at the weekend.
Where trouble could occur is at the back and Roma have struggled to keep clean sheets, only managing one against bottom side Frosinone. Keeper Robin Olsen and his defence let in three against Atalanta and two against Chievo to mention just two examples of where they’ve been weak at the back.
Last time these two met was in the Europa League back in 2016, where Roma came out on top 4-1 winners.
Viktoria Plzen
Plzen sloppily let go of a 2-0 lead in their first Champions League match up against CSKA Moscow. The Czechs, despite having European experience from the Europa League have had little in the way of Champions League football, having never made it to the knockout stages.
Despite their opponents lacking in experience, it shouldn’t be too little to expect that Roma will let chances come to the Czechs, as they’ve done with their opponents in the league. Plzen travel to Rome with a full arsenal, only likely to miss Roman Hubnik in defence.
Viktoria are vying for top spot with Slavia Prague in their domestic league and are in good spirits after beating third place Sparta at the weekend.
Match Tips
Roma should really win this match up, with the both class and motivation on their side. But Roma have been sloppy this season, and I don’t see it as likely that they will tighten it up in time to keep a clean sheet. There’s some good value in the odds for both teams to score at 9/10 with Unibet.
