The Turks are strong at home, but Roma have hit excellent form: Fenerbahçe vs Roma prediction
The opening-round Champions League match between Fenerbahçe and Roma will take place on 10 September at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium. The Turkish club return to the main stage of the competition after an 18-year absence, while the Romans head into the match after three consecutive Serie A victories.
Fenerbahçe: back in the Champions League after a long absence
İsmail Kartal's side came through qualifying by eliminating Górnik, Sturm and Lyon in succession. However, their domestic campaign has started inconsistently: a defeat to Gençlerbirliği was followed by two victories before a home derby loss to Beşiktaş.
Fenerbahçe are traditionally very dangerous at home in European competition. They have lost only five of their last 32 European home matches, recording 20 victories during that period.
Roma: three wins and 10 goals at the start
Gian Piero Gasperini's side have made a perfect start to the new season, winning all three of their Serie A matches. The Romans have scored 10 goals and already moved to the top of the table, ahead of reigning champions Inter.
Donyell Malen has emerged as the main attacking threat, having already scored five goals. Alongside Paulo Dybala, he forms a very dangerous attacking partnership capable of causing problems even for a well-organised home defence.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- Fenerbahçe have lost only five of their last 32 home matches in European competition.
- Roma have won all three of their opening Serie A matches and scored 10 goals.
- Donyell Malen has scored five goals at the start of the new league campaign.
Both teams are capable of scoring more than once: Fenerbahçe vs Roma prediction
Fenerbahçe gain a major advantage from playing at home and traditionally perform with confidence in European matches in Istanbul. However, their defensive inconsistency gives Roma good opportunities to attack quickly.
The Romans are currently in excellent form and possess more than enough attacking quality. However, completely suppressing the hosts on their own ground will be difficult, so a high-scoring exchange of goals looks the most likely scenario.
