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The UEFA Champions league is back in action for the knockout fixtures, starting with AS Roma playing hosts to FC Porto at the Stadio Olimpico in the first leg of the round-of-16 fixture.
The Giallorossi finished second in their group, behind Real Madrid, but have thus far failed to reach the performances that saw them enter the semi-finals of the competition last year. Eusebio Di Francesco and his men are a single point behind the fourth-placed AC Milan and win today may be a welcome boost to overturn their frustrating domestic campaign.
FC Porto had a stellar campaign in the group stages as the Dragoes went unbeaten in the group stage, recording 16 points from a possible 18. The domestic season too has been quite impressive for Sergio Conceicao and co., with his side leading the table with a single point off Benfica.
Both the sides will fancy their chances of moving further into the competition with an away goal likely to be a very deciding factor in this fixture.
Here's your team news and predicted XI.
Team News
AS Roma
Eusebio Di Francesco has quite a few injury problems to deal with. The Giallorossi will be missing Patrick Schick (thigh), while Cengiz Under (thigh), Diego Perotti (calf) and Robin Olsen (calf) are all doubtful for the fixture.
The return of Kostas Manolas will be a welcome boost for Di Francesco.
FC Porto
Porto are expected to be without their first choice strikers Vincent Aboubakar and Moussa Marega (thigh), with the duo missing out with injury.
Jesus Corona is another big name that will be missing for the Dragoes with Mexican international unavailable for selection due to suspension.
Probable Line-ups
AS Roma (4-2-3-1): Mirante; Florenzi, Manolas, Fazio, Kolarov; De Rossi, Cristante; Zaniolo, El Shaarawy, Pellegrini; Dzeko
FC Porto (4-3-3): Casillas; Éder Militão, Filipe, Pepe, Alex Telles; Danilo, Herrera, Óliver Torres; Otávio, Soares, Brahimi
