Written by Damien Kayat for @Hollywoodbets.
Roma vs Bayern Munich | Tuesday 21 October | Stadio Olimpico | 20:45
Bayern Munich face perhaps their greatest test this season thus far when they travel to the house that Totti built this week. Manchester City fans may scoff at this notion, as they shall, but the fact remains that City were not at full speed when they clashed with Guardiola’s men. Aguero was injured, along with Silva, while Toure and Kompany seemed to be undercooked, all of which probably flattered Munich. Roma, managed by the innovative Rudi Garcia, have played some fabulous football this season and have found an excellent balance between your stereotypically pragmatic Italian counterattack and a more direct approach. Bayern will need to be in top form if they are to continue their unbeaten run this season.
To Win (90mins)
Roma 31/10
Draw 5/2
Bayern Munich 9/10
Roma
Roma, in seasons past, may have capitulated in the wake of their controversial 3-2 defeat at the hands of Juventus. Under Garcia, however, they seem to be made of sterner stuff and recorded an impressive away victory against Chievo this weekend. They have won all five of their competitive fixtures at the Stadio Olimpico and are in decent shape in the group thus far. Keita will miss out for Roma while Kevin Strootman has returned to full training. Francesco Totti also had the distinction of becoming the competition’s oldest scorer during the last set of fixtures.
Nainggolan will be vital in disrupting the midfield passing abilities of Alonso through his sheer industry and ability to read the game. If Ribery and Robben do start it will be vital that Cole and Maicon can check their progressive running. The legs of the two ‘experienced’ full-backs could be the one real vulnerable spot of an otherwise compact Roma unit. In Destro, Roma have a goal scorer, in Totti, a totemic idol for the fans to adore, and in Gervinho they possess the pace to go beyond defences. But in Bayern they will find extremely pugnacious opposition that seem intent on never conceding a goal again.
Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich have not conceded a goal in 748 competitive minutes. They may have not been unduly tested, but you still can’t help but admire their defensive chastity. It has been vital in sustaining them in Europe where they have managed two static 1-0 victories. It almost seems unfashionable now to wax lyrical over the virtues of Bayern, with the glamorous Real Madrid being clamoured over like a brand new Tamagotchi at the turn of the millennium. But what is there not to admire?
In Robben and Ribery they have pace and incision, while Lewandowski and Muller are two of the most effective goal poachers in European football. Manuel Neuer is probably the best goalkeeper in world football while their defensive system is rigorous and powerful. The return of Ribery will simplify their selection issues and should afford Lewandowski the opportunity to drift into more space. Roma are an exciting, developing club, while Munich are an entrenched European juggernaut that should be able to overcome a Roma side slightly brittle in key defensive positions.
VERDICT: Bayern Munich 9/10
I feel extremely confident that Bayern will win, but it is hard to gauge the manner of victory. They could really flow and put three or four past the Italian side, but the fact that Ribery has to be re-integrated could make the score line slightly tighter. Either way, back the Germans to triumph in ninety minutes.
