On Wednesday, the group stage of the UEFA Champions League continues. Today, the third round matches of groups A-D will be played. One of the matches will take place at "Stamford Bridge" stadium, where London's "Chelsea" will face "Roma". Both teams started the Champions League tournament quite successfully and are now fighting for the top spot. Sporting form Chelsea started the Champions League tournament much more convincingly - Antonio Conte's team defeated "Qarabag" with a score of 6-0, while Roma had difficulties in their first match against Madrid's "Atletico" and ended up with a draw. In the second round, Chelsea faced Atletico - they managed to successfully pass the test as they extended their victory to 2-1 at the very end of the match, leaving "Rojiblancos" without important points. Meanwhile, Roma achieved their first victory in the same round. The Italian capital's team did not have easy matches like Chelsea against "Qarabag". Manolo's goal and Edin Dzeko's goal at the end of the match brought victory with a score of 2-1. In the local championships, both clubs are performing quite similarly. Last season's country champions Chelsea suffered a real shame over the weekend by losing 1-2 to "Crystal Palace", who had not scored a goal or won a single point until then. Chelsea has experienced two defeats in their last five matches. Aside from their failure over the weekend, they also lost to "Man City" in the country's championship, following victories against Atletico, Stoke City, and Nottingham. Roma has been in top form recently, but over the weekend they had to feel the strength of Napoli. Roma couldn't withstand the current Serie A leaders at home and suffered a defeat by a narrow margin. Both teams are ranked fifth in their local championships and have the same nine-point gap from the leaders. Team news Both Roma and Chelsea will not have their strongest lineups. Antonio Conte will have to play without Victor Moses and N'Golo Kante, but striker Alvaro Morata is ready to return to the field. Roma will be missing defender Kostas Manolas in these matches, but midfielder Kevin Strootman is ready to return to the field. Among the injured players are also Stephan El Shaarawy, Emerson, Patrick Schick, and Rick Karsdorp. Predicted starting lineups: Chelsea: Thibaut Courtois; Cezar Azpilicueta, David Luiz, Gary Cahill; Zappacosta, Cesc Fabregas, Tiemoue Bakayoko, Marcos Alonso; Eden Hazard, Willian, Alvaro Morata. Roma: Alisson; Peres, Federico Fazio, Jesus, Aleksandr Kolarov; Radja Nainggolan, Daniele De Rossi. Kevin Strooman; Perotti, Edin Dzeko, Florenzi. Interesting facts Chelsea is vulnerable at home this season - they have already lost two home matches in the Premier League, while Roma has achieved three consecutive victories playing away. Roma's leader Edin Dzeko is in great form - he has scored seven goals in the last six matches. The last time these teams met in the Champions League was in 2008. John Terry's goal at "Stamford Bridge" stadium secured victory for the "Blues" against Roma. In seven of the last Champions League matches, Chelsea have scored at least two goals. The London team has the advantage in the history of head-to-head meetings - Chelsea has won all of the last three home matches against Roma.
