The Istanbul club finished as runners-up again last season, although they at least managed to beat Galatasaray in the Super Cup. The new league campaign began with a defeat to Gençlerbirliği, but they subsequently beat Konyaspor and Samsunspor. However, the derby against Beşiktaş did not go their way, as they suffered another defeat. At the same time, they successfully navigated Champions League qualifying, eliminating Górnik Zabrze (1-0 and 1-1), Sturm Graz (2-0 and 1-0), and Lyon (2-1 away after a 1-1 home draw).
The Rome side appointed Gasperini as their new head coach last summer. He finally propelled them into the upper echelons of Serie A, with Roma finishing third. After the summer break, they thrashed Fiorentina 4-0. They also beat Lecce without conceding. Against Atalanta, Roma conceded for the first time but still completed a comeback to win 2-1.
The Turks are currently averaging two goals scored per match while conceding 1.5. The Italians, meanwhile, are scoring 3.33 goals per game this season and conceding just 0.33.
Head to Head matches: Fenerbahçe vs Roma
The clubs met only once before, in a friendly in 2014. It ended in an entertaining 3-3 draw.
This looks like a fairly evenly matched fixture. We are backing both teams to score (odds – 1.72).
Fenerbahçe vs Roma: key statistics and trends
Fenerbahçe are unbeaten in six Champions League qualifying matches
75% of Fenerbahçe’s matches have seen both teams score, with an average total of 3.5 goals per game
Roma have won three matches in a row
33% of Roma’s matches have seen both teams score, with an average total of 3.67 goals per game
Fenerbahçe vs Roma: Possible starting lineups
Fenerbahçe play in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (possible lineup): Ederson Moraes – Brown, Aké, Škriniar, Semedo – Guendouzi, Kanté – Aydın, Talisca, Greenwood – Muriki
Roma play in a 1-3-4-2-1 formation (possible lineup): Svilar – Hermoso, Ndicka, Mancini – Wesley França, Koné, Cristante, Lulli – Mora, Dybala – Malen
