Champions League Preview: Fenerbahce Missing Several Key Players; Roma's Away Form Is Average

Fenerbahce boast a squad with a wealth of Champions League-winning experience!

Fenerbahce have a deep squad foundation, featuring several experienced players such as Ake, Skriniar, Ederson, Kante and Lukaku. These players have spent years competing on Europe's biggest stages and accumulated extensive high-intensity match experience. Kante, Ake and Ederson have all won the Champions League, while striker Lukaku has also experienced a Champions League final. Their rich European pedigree provides Fenerbahce with confidence and stability in major matches.

Good news! Greenwood is available after his suspension was lifted!

Fenerbahce forward Greenwood was previously given a one-match suspension, suspended for one year, plus a 30,000-euro fine for violating UEFA regulations. Club president Aziz Yildirim said the club had started legal procedures and submitted an appeal. After the appeal process, Greenwood's suspension was withdrawn and he is eligible to play. His European experience can add more attacking options and ease Fenerbahce's current forward-line pressure.

Fenerbahce suffer multiple absences due to injuries and suspensions!

Fenerbahce face several personnel losses in this match. Midfielder Guendouzi was suspended for four matches after an incident involving fans during the Champions League qualifying round and will miss this game, affecting midfield transitions. Full-back Oosterwolde will be out for a long period with an Achilles injury, while Asensio is unlikely to play due to a left knee cruciate ligament injury. The absence of several key and rotation players reduces Fenerbahce's squad depth and tactical options.

Fenerbahce's winning run comes to an end!

In their previous league match, Fenerbahce hosted a major clash against Besiktas and lost 1-2. The defeat ended their previous three-match winning streak in all competitions. Losing to a direct rival may affect the team's morale and confidence.

Two key players leave in succession, weakening Fenerbahce

Fenerbahce announced that they had terminated the contract of 30-year-old Turkish defender Caglar Soyuncu. He joined in the winter window of 2024 and made 75 appearances for the club, scoring four goals and providing three assists. He later signed a two-year contract with Turkish Super Lig newcomers Corum. Meanwhile, Talisca also ended his contract with Fenerbahce and joined Al Jazira. The Brazilian forward scored four goals in four Champions League qualifying appearances and was a key contributor to the club reaching the Champions League main stage. Their departures, especially Talisca's exit, will affect Fenerbahce's defensive stability and attacking firepower.

Roma are strong at both ends with an explosive start

Roma have made a highly stable start to the new season, showing strong performances in both attack and defense. They scored in each of their first three Serie A matches, producing 10 goals in total at an average of 3.33 goals per game. Defensively, they kept two clean sheets and conceded only one goal, allowing them to control matches effectively.

Roma win three straight league matches and move to the top!

Roma have maintained strong form at the start of the new season. They defeated Atalanta 2-1 at home in their previous Serie A match, extending their league winning streak to three games. With this run, Roma temporarily moved to the top of the Serie A table.

Roma will wear a charity advertisement on the front of their shirts!

Roma travel to Turkey in this Champions League match to face Fenerbahce away. Local laws prohibit gambling advertisements at sporting events, while Roma's shirt sponsor this season is a gambling company. Therefore, the club decided to temporarily replace the front-of-shirt advertisement with a charity-themed one to meet local requirements. Roma players will wear the special shirts, adding a unique element to the match. The arrangement also reflects the club's effort to promote charity and social responsibility through football.

Roma's squad rotation options are slightly limited!

Roma's midfield has been affected by injuries. Key midfielder Pellegrini is recovering from a thigh injury and has not fully recovered. He missed all first three Serie A matches and is likely to remain unavailable for this Champions League clash, affecting midfield organization and transitions. Young midfielder Mohamed Bay has suffered a serious knee injury and requires a long recovery. The two absences reduce Roma's midfield rotation options, but given the team's overall depth, they are unlikely to significantly weaken its core strength.

Roma face a major test in Champions League away matches!

Roma's recent European away record has not been outstanding, with three wins, five draws and two losses in their last 10 European away matches, a 30% win rate. However, all 10 matches were in the Europa League, so the data has limitations. The Champions League presents a higher level of competition, with greater intensity, physical demands and stronger opponents. Whether Roma can quickly adapt and deliver a stable performance away from home will directly influence the result.