Just what Roma needed against Chievo considering all the injury issues: 3 early goals from Destro, Llajic and Totti and cruising for the last 60 minutes. Yanga-Mbiwa has been really impressive although if he plays against Bayern -- not sure if he or Astori will start next to Manolas since Castan is still out -- and keeps up all the fancy dribbling tricks and backheels in our area I'll have a heart attack.

Vs Bayern Tuesday:

Sellout of over 70k should provide a crackling atmosphere at the Olimpico.

I expect both teams to get chances but it should be a great match. Roma will try to pressure early and hit on counters but my concern is that we have only 3 healthy midfielders (Paredes and Ucan have looked good but won't play unless there's an injury).

Missing both Keita and Strootman strips Garcia of the fresh midfield sub he likes to bring in around 75' and that could be costly against Bayern since our midfield will be doing a lot more chasing than normal. It already hurt against City and Bayern is on another level.

I can't say that I'm confident our defense will stand up to Bayern's attack but I do think we pose a real threat against their style with Totti plus the smooth passing midfield looking for Iturbe and Gervinho racing around their CBs.

One key will be how Maicon and Cole stand up to Bayern's superb wingers and not force Iturbe and Gervinho to be drawn out of counter attacking positions to help too often. Torosidis could be a surprise start since he's probably the most defensively sound RB/LB.

All things considered, I think most Roma fans will be content with Roma simply coming out an punching equally with Bayern considering their quality and experience regardless of how the actual goals fall. However, I also doubt Bayern is overconfident about getting a full 3 points.

Probable lineup:

De Sanctis

Maicon -- Manolas -- Astori/Mbiwa -- Cole

--- De Rossi ---

Naingollan -- Pjanic

--- Totti ---

Iturbe -- Gervinho