Fenerbahce and Roma begin their Champions League campaigns in Istanbul on Thursday evening, with both clubs returning to the main stage after not qualifying for a while.

The hosts survived six qualifying matches to reach the league phase, including a difficult playoff against Lyon. Roma qualified through Serie A and arrive in Turkey after winning their opening three league matches under Gian Piero Gasperini.

Roma enter the game in better form, but Fenerbahce have scored consistently and possess enough attacking quality to cause problems at home.

Fenerbahce have scored despite an inconsistent start

Fenerbahce secured their place in the league phase by eliminating Lyon 3-2 on aggregate. After drawing 1-1 at home, İsmail Kartal’s side travelled to France and won the return leg 2-1.

Their domestic results have been less convincing. Fenerbahce have won three, drawn one and lost two of their last six matches, entering this game after a 2-1 home defeat against Beşiktaş.

They have scored in all six matches, but a 2-0 victory over Samsunspor produced their only clean sheet during that run. The attack has continued to deliver, while the defence has regularly given opponents opportunities.

Mason Greenwood and Kerem Aktürkoğlu should provide the main threat behind the striker. Kartal can also choose between Romelu Lukaku and former Roma forward Vedat Muriqi through the middle.

Fenerbahce will be without the suspended Matteo Guendouzi. His absence could be important against an energetic Roma midfield, although N’Golo Kanté gives the hosts considerable experience in central areas.

Roma arrive with three wins and ten goals

Roma have made a perfect start under Gasperini, winning their opening three Serie A matches while scoring ten goals and conceding only once.

Consecutive 4-0 victories over Fiorentina and Lecce demonstrated their attacking potential. Roma then showed another side of their game against Atalanta, scoring twice after the 90th minute to turn a likely defeat into a 2-1 victory.

Donyell Malen has been the standout performer. He scored a hat-trick against Fiorentina and twice against Lecce, giving him five goals from his first two league appearances.

Paulo Dybala has been equally influential. He assisted all three of Malen’s goals against Fiorentina before creating Matías Soulé’s late winner against Atalanta.

Gasperini’s 3-4-2-1 formation allows Roma to commit several players forward and press high up the pitch. That approach has produced plenty of goals, but it could also leave space for Fenerbahce’s attacking players to exploit.

Verdict

Roma enter the match in stronger form and should create chances against a Fenerbahce side with only one clean sheet in their last six games.

However, backing the visitors to win in Istanbul carries more risk. Fenerbahce have scored in every match this season and proved against Lyon that they can compete under pressure in Europe.

Roma have conceded only once, but this will be their most difficult away test so far. With Greenwood, Kerem and an experienced striker leading the home attack, Fenerbahce should have opportunities of their own.

Both teams have enough quality going forward, while Fenerbahce’s recent defensive record makes goals at both ends the preferred option.

Tip

Both teams to score