Gasperini praises Wesley's progress ahead of Manchester trip

Roma travel to Old Trafford tonight to face Manchester United in the fourth matchday of the Champions League, with kickoff at 21:00. Gian Piero Gasperini's side are looking to cancel out the memory of their 7-1 defeat at the ground in 2007 and, with a win, could push United's coach Carrick towards a likely dismissal while climbing the group table. United are in a poor run, having gone nine matches without a win, and Roma are considered favourites for the first time in their history against a United side in such a slump. Leggo's Francesco Balzani notes the match is a fascinating one for the Giallorossi, who cannot let the Red Devils' troubles affect their approach. Gasperini said: "Manchester is going through a difficult moment in the league in terms of results, but we cannot let ourselves be distracted. Still, it is a strong team, with players of absolute quality, and it is a warm and difficult environment. We are preparing as if we were facing the best Manchester." The Roma boss expects at least one of Mancini and Balerdi to return to the defence, while Lulli could be deployed on the flanks. In midfield, Cristante may come back in place of Mora. Gasperini added: "If you are missing Pellegrini, Dybala and Koné in the same areas, it is hard to change, and we try to adapt a little at certain moments. In midfield we are thin on numbers. We have played these seven matches on a knife's edge. But we have always had prepared players who recovered quickly. After the break we hope to have everyone back." Dybala's absence means Gasperini will again rely on the partnership of Soulé and Malen up front. Gollini starts in goal, a player who spent two seasons in Manchester's youth ranks.

Roma travel to Old Trafford tonight (21:00, Sky Sport) looking to take a decisive step in the Champions League, with coach Gian Piero Gasperini's side favourites against a Manchester United team that has gone nine matches without a win. Carrick is widely expected to be dismissed as United's manager. Roma are seeking to climb the group standings, and a win would also avenge their 7-1 defeat at the same ground in 2007. Around 4,000 Roma supporters are expected in Manchester, and the authorities are watching public order closely given the history between the two sets of fans. Gasperini acknowledged United's struggles in the league but refused to underestimate them. He said: "Manchester in the league is going through a difficult moment in results, but we cannot be distracted. Still, it is a strong team, with players of real quality, and it is a hot and difficult environment. We are preparing as if we were facing the best Manchester." Roma will make some changes, though not many. At least one of Mancini and Balerdi is expected to return to the defence, Lulli may be used on the flank, and Cristante could return in the midfield in place of Mora. Gollini is in goal, a player who spent two seasons in United's youth ranks. Gasperini was frank about Roma's injury problems. He said: "If you are missing Pellegrini, Dybala and Koné in the same areas, it is hard to change things, so we try to adapt a little at certain moments. In midfield we are counted. We have played these seven matches on a knife's edge. But we have always had prepared players who recovered quickly. After the international break we hope to have everyone back." Dybala's absence means Gasperini continues to rely on the pairing of Soulé and Malen up front. The probable line-up is Gollini; Mancini, N'Dicka, Balerdi; Lulli, De Roon, Pisilli, Wesley; Cristante; Soulé, Malen.

Roma face Manchester United at Old Trafford tomorrow evening at 21:00 in the fourth matchday of the Champions League League Phase. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini spoke at his press conference ahead of the match, warning his side not to be distracted by United's difficulties. He said: "We must not be distracted by their difficulties. I am dreaming short-term, at this moment the dream is to put in a great performance here, and I hope it is achievable." Alongside the Roma boss, midfielder Marten de Roon addressed the media. He said: "We want to give continuity, I am happy to be able to lend a hand." Asked about the supporters, he added: "I was happy about the applause against Cagliari." His remark that "the boss is unique" drew an amused reaction from Gasperini. In training, Balerdi and Cristante wore conspicuous knee strapping. If the Argentine starts on the bench, Cristante will start in the wide midfield position. Mancini and Lulli return to the starting line-up. Roma's attention now turns to Old Trafford, where a performance of quality is the stated aim for the coach and his players.

Gasperini is preparing to take his Roma side to Old Trafford to reverse the history against Manchester United, and the Italian papers have largely agreed on a starting eleven. The coach appears set to field a solid defence with Mancini returning to the starting lineup, while the main doubt concerns the right flank, where the choice is between Lulli and Molina. Rensch could also come into contention for that spot, but he appears the least likely to start from the first minute. In midfield, the papers are split over who will support Soulé behind Malen: Pisilli, Cristante or Mora. Across the line-ups published by the Gazzetta dello Sport, Corriere dello Sport, Tuttosport, Il Messaggero, Corriere della Sera and Il Tempo, Roma are set to line up in a 3-4-2-1 formation with Gollini in goal, Mancini, N'Dicka and Hermoso in defence, Wesley in the midfield and Soulé and Malen attacking. The papers' predicted line-ups differ in only a few places. The Gazzetta dello Sport and Il Messaggero pick Lulli at left-back, while the Corriere dello Sport and Tuttosport go with Molina. The Corriere della Sera and Il Tempo both name Rensch. Il Messaggero also includes de Roon and Pisilli in midfield, with Cristante pushed further forward alongside Soulé, while Tuttosport picks Mora in the number ten role instead of Pisilli.

Roma visit Manchester United at Old Trafford tonight, with kick-off at 21:00 in the fourth matchday of the Champions League. Gasperini is expected to make several changes from the side that beat Udinese in Serie A three days ago. Pisilli is tipped to edge out Mora for a place in the midfield behind the front line. Mancini is set to return to the starting defence, alongside N'Dicka and Hermoso in a three-man back line. Wesley and Cristante are expected to keep their places, with De Roon in the middle of the midfield. Soulé and Malen are predicted to start up front alongside Pisilli in the 3-4-2-1 system. Gollini is expected to keep his place in goal. The predicted line-ups differ on the wing-back and full-back spots. Some papers pick Lulli on the left, others Rensch, and others Molina. Il Romanista goes with Balerdi on the left of the defence. La Gazzetta dello Sport, Il Messaggero and Il Corriere dello Sport all predict a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Lulli or Molina on the flanks. Corriere della Sera and Il Tempo both pick Rensch, while Romanews.Euroma and Corriere dello Sport go with Molina. For Gasperini, the choice on the flanks and in midfield will determine how Roma line up against the Premier League side at Old Trafford.

Roma's probable line-up for tonight's Champions League league-phase midpoint has been mapped out, with Niccolò Pisilli alongside Marten de Roon in midfield and Bryan Cristante ahead of Rodrigo Mora in the attacking midfield role, according to Daniele Aloisi in Il Messaggero. Mora's inclusion is not ruled out. Donyell Malen and Matías Soulé are considered untouchable up front. Wesley is expected on the left, with Devyne Rensch pushing Luca Lulli for the right-back spot. Gian Piero Gasperini is set to rely on his strongest players at the back, with Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso ready to form the back three. Leonardo Balerdi is at risk after training yesterday with a prominent bandage on his right knee. Pierluigi Gollini starts in goal, a player who returns to Manchester after his spell in the youth ranks from 2012 to 2014. Mile Svilar, Manu Koné and Paulo Dybala are again out. Koné and Dybala hope to be available for Saturday's match against Sassuolo, though their involvement is not a given.