After getting a draw against Barcelona, Roma now find themselves in a very good position to advance to the knockout rounds. But they still have ways to go in the Champions League as they face BATE Borisov. 

Form 

Roma have had a solid start to their domestic season. They currently sit 6th in Serie A with 11 points. They most recently pounded newly promoted Carpi 5-1 this weekend. This snapped a three game winless streak for Roma. Although sitting 6th is not an ideal position for Roma, they have gotten good results in Serie A. They recently beat Juventus and have drew against Barcelona. With Juventus off to a poor start in domestic play, Roma has the chance to win Serie A. With Barca hampered by injury, they also have a great chance of winning their Champions League group. 

Although they have gotten off to rough start in the Champions League, BATE Borisov have had an easy going in domestic play. They sit at top of the league in the Belarus Premier League with 52 points. They have a 12 point lead over 2nd place Dinamo Minsk and are favorites to win their domestic league and qualify for Europe for next year. But they had a rough start to their Champions League play as they were smashed 4-0 by Bayer Leverkusen. BATE will have to play better against a better team in Roma if they want to avoid another thrashing in the Champions League. 

Key Players

The key player for Roma in this fixture will be forward Mohamed Salah. Roma have recently ruled out Edin Dzeko and club legend Francesco Totti due to injury and the pressure will fall to Salah to find offense for them. Look for Salah to use his wicked pace to cause BATE problems as he will likely assume a spot on the wings and look to send in crosses or take on defenders by himself. With Roma hampered, look for Salah to be the key man on offense for Roma. 

The key player for BATE is Vitali Rodionov. The 31 year old has scored nine goals for BATE this year and will look to try and break down Roma's backline. He won't have many chances as BATE is expected to sit back and try to catch Roma on the break. In those rare moments when BATE has a long string of possession, expect Rodionov to be involved in the attack. 

Team News 

Roma have ruled out strikers Edin Dzeko out with a twisted knee and Francesco Totti is out with a thigh strain. Dzeko is expected to be out for 3-4 weeks and it is a big blow to Roma's attack. Totti is expected to undergo an MRI to see how long he will be out for. 

What They're Saying 

"It's a defeat that we did not deserve" said Roma manager Rudi Garica to an Italian TV channel called Mediaset. 

This was said after Roma was defeated by Sampdoria in what was their first loss in Serie A this year. An own goal by Roma was the difference maker in the match and the manager has a point. It was a solid match from Roma but football is a cruel sport and one mistake can cost you everything. 

"Our next three European games will be crucial for us" said Garcia in a Champions League press conference. 

It has been a solid start by Roma as they drew Barcleona but they have to move on from being content with the result and have to continue to get points in the group stage.