CSKA Moscow vs Roma Predictions

Can CSKA Moscow follow up their famous win over Real Madrid by beating Roma at home? The Russians face a decisive clash in the Champions League on Wednesday, as they welcome Roma to the Luzhniki. These two are battling for a place in the last 16, although the hosts had their hopes dented in the previous meeting in October. They lost 3-0 in a visit to Rome, being dismissed easily by the Serie A side. Will the hosts claim some revenge this week?

Roma come into this one in a strong position, having won their last two games in this competition. They are level with Real Madrid on six points, and pipping the defending champions remains a possibility. The Italians will need to win in Moscow to keep pace, but with a clash between Roma and Real coming up in the Italian capital, top spot is a real possibility for Roma right now. However, first they need to focus on a win in Wednesday’s trip east.

When it comes to the Champions League. Roma have a big advantage going forward. Edin Dzeko has found a new life in this competition, which is making up for a poor turn in Serie A from him this term. The forward has scored 10 Champions League goals during 2018 – two more than any other player. He was a key part of their run to the semis last year, and he’s started this campaign with five goals in his last two games in this competition. He’s found the net 10 times in his last eight matches in Europe, so Dzeko to score anytime is worth backing. With that kind of form, Roma should get a boost in Moscow.

The hosts may have claimed a big win at home to Real Madrid, but their Champions League record here is rocky. They’ve drawn six and lost eight of their last 18 here. Domestically, CSKA can’t hold their own at home. They have picked up 65% of their league points away, with all three of their league defeats coming here. That doesn’t bode well for them, considering how easily Roma won at the Olimpico last month. To make matters worse, CSKA have come up short in all of their meetings with the top four.

They seem unable to mix it with the very best on a regular basis, so we see no repeat of the Real win. Roma to take the points is our tip, while we’re backing a 2-1 win for the Giallorossi.