Roma face Inter on Saturday amid debate over favourites tag and squad selection

Roma travel to Old Trafford on Tuesday for a high-stakes UEFA Champions League clash that could decide Michael Carrick's future at Manchester United, with the home side enduring their worst run of form since the late 1980s. United lost 2-0 at home to Chelsea on Saturday and are level on points with 18th-placed Crystal Palace in the Premier League. They are on a nine-game winless streak in all competitions (D3, L6), their worst run since 1988. Carrick's position is under scrutiny ahead of what is described as a must-win game. United beat Champions League debutants Sabah Baku 4-0, but have since lost back-to-back group-phase matches, suffering multi-goal defeats at Atletico Madrid and Como. Roma arrive in better shape. Gian Piero Gasperini's side recovered from a two-game winless start (D1, L1) to thrash Slovan Bratislava 4-0 on matchday three. That win is part of a five-game unbeaten run in all competitions (W4, D1), capped by a dominant 5-2 win at Udinese last weekend. Roma are unbeaten in 17 Serie A matches (W13, D4), and the Giallorossi will take the Old Trafford pitch in high spirits, seeking their maiden win on United's home ground. United have beaten Roma in all four previous meetings at the Theatre of Dreams, including a 7-1 rout in 2007, when Carrick scored a brace. The under-pressure United boss will be desperate to repeat that success, knowing anything other than a win would likely seal his fate at the club. United have won 13 of their 17 Champions League home matches against Italian opposition at Old Trafford (D1, L3) and bring a seven-game winning streak in European home games into the fixture, with each of their last four wins in that sequence seeing them score at least four goals. However, the 20-time English champions are enduring their worst-ever ten-game Champions League run (W2, D1, L7), and they have failed to score in five of their seven defeats this season. Roma's scoring has been prolific, with Gasperini's side netting two or more goals in six consecutive outings across all competitions. That run started with a 4-3 home loss to Real Madrid in the Champions League, and Roma have since won five straight games without defeat (W4, D1). Their domestic form has not translated to Europe, however. They have secured just two wins from their last 20 Champions League road fixtures (D6, L12) and have gone 32 successive Champions League road trips without a clean sheet. They are also seeking their first-ever away win over English opposition in the Champions League proper (D3, L7). That said, Roma have not lost any of their last six European away games (W3, D3). Patrick Dorgu, Luke Shaw and Benjamin Sesko are definite absentees for United, while Marcus Rashford and Amad Diallo could be on the bench. Bryan Mbeumo is expected to lead the line amid Matheus Cunha's rough patch, with Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount and Youri Tielemans behind him in Carrick's 4-2-3-1 set-up. Roma remain without Paulo Dybala, Manu Kone and first-choice goalkeeper Mile Svilar. Lorenzo Pellegrini, who is struggling with a thigh injury, is also out, meaning Matias Soule is likely to start behind Donyell Malen. Roma's probable lineup is Gollini; N'Dicka, Mancini, Hermoso; Molina, De Roon, Pisilli, Wesley; Cristante, Soule; Malen. The prediction is a Roma win.

Roma's radio commentators have looked ahead to Thursday night's Champions League trip to Manchester United at Old Trafford, with several pundits stressing that a win would carry weight well beyond the three points. David Rossi of Rete Sport said: "Gasperini has understood that Manchester won't be a walk in the park, and that he would really like to win. Beyond the three points at stake tonight, because winning would take you a good way forward in the qualification, playing and doing well in Manchester would bring a series of positive consequences across the board. Winning 1-0 at Old Trafford tonight would be worth more than 5-2 at Udine; a win tonight would carry over to the Olimpico against Sassuolo…" Gianluca Piacentini of Rete Sport declined to make a prediction, saying Gasperini had got it right in insisting Roma should not be influenced by Manchester's recent form. He added that United manager Carrick could be sacked if he fails to get a result against Roma, noting that the club has saved many coaches in its history. Piacentini joked that a hat-trick of dismissed coaches would not be a bad outcome, with Runjaic dismissed first, Carrick tonight and Aquilani on Saturday, "with all due respect to Alberto." Giorgio Marota of Rete Sport expects Gasperini to rely on his senior players in such big games, meaning Mancini, N'Dicka and Hermoso are likely to start. He said Ghilardi is growing rapidly and looks like the player who has developed most. Marota described the squad as having two strong groups, the Italians and the Argentines, and said dressing-room dynamics exist but Gasperini will not be swayed by them, as shown by his removing Pellegrini's captaincy as soon as he arrived. He said Mancini is even more Gasperini-like in his role than Ghilardi, though Ghilardi could challenge him in the long run. Mario Corsi of Tele Radio Stereo said tonight's match has great appeal and that, against the Roma side Carrick faced before, Roma would have returned the 7-1 scoreline. He argued Roma would have done well to sign 21- and 22-year-olds ready to break through, citing Moreira, Mastantuono, Alajbegovic and Mora, who has already scored three goals. He said these players cost money but have a future, and expressed hope of signing Endrick, adding that Mora would not be bothered by his arrival. Corsi also warned about AC Milan, saying they want to invest heavily, and that with Moreira and Endrick they could start to take shape, though he noted they have a major brake in Amorim. Francesca Ferrazza of Tele Radio Stereo said that in January a club cannot take a gamble and should instead sign established players who may not be performing at their clubs, a loan move that could help Roma take a step up and push for the title. She said that in the summer a different kind of investment is needed, and recalled that last January the 19-year-old was not signed, which is why people say Roma need another Malen, a fully formed player who provides the final step. Lorenzo Pes of Tele Radio Stereo said Roma must focus on the present rather than the ghosts of the past. On Rensch, he said he had been picked from the first minute, but the battle for that place is open, adding that he was not convinced by him in Naples. He said a win on such an important pitch would, for now, place Roma among Europe's elite and represent a real step up in quality. On United, he said the quality is there with Bruno Fernandes, Mbuemo, Cunha and Mainoo, but that the side does not deserve its league position and looks very disjointed. Piero Torri of Manà Manà Sport said that if Roma beat Sassuolo, Parma and Monza in their next three league games, they would be close to first place. He said Bologna, Lazio and Juventus also follow, and that Lazio must be considered. He suggested Balerdi should start tonight and that Molina should be backed for his experience of big stages. He would also play Mora with Soulé and Malen. Roberto Pruzzo of Radio Radio said United in these conditions are like Juventus, but Roma must not fall into the trap. He warned that Roma cannot go there and do what they did at Udine, and that a different mental and physical resilience will be needed. On Soulé, Pruzzo said he thinks all the good possible of him and that the club waited for him too long given his qualities, though he has not yet taken the team by the hand and still lacks something to be a recognised leader. He said he backed him because he deserves it. Nando Orsi of Radio Radio said Manchester United having Dorgu, the former Lecce player, means they are no longer the Manchester United of old if they invest in him. He called tonight's match complicated and difficult, noting Roma always play at Old Trafford, and that by the law of big numbers one match must go their way. He hoped it would not be so for Roma, adding that if Roma score first, United may collapse because they are mentally weak, while if they score first, they may become elated. For that reason, Roma must be careful.

Lazio supporter Giuseppe Cruciani has named Roma as the clear favourites for the Scudetto, saying the club can only lose the title itself. Speaking on the Numer1 podcast, the La Zanzara presenter pointed to Gian Piero Gasperini's side as the team to beat. "Not out of superstition, but based on what we've seen so far. Roma have never dropped a match, maybe once a long time ago. The only game they lost was when they were ahead five minutes from the end against Real Madrid. Apart from that, they have always dominated," Cruciani said, impressed by the consistency of the giallorossi. Cruciani also highlighted that Roma have kept going despite the absences of three key players: Svilar, Koné and Dybala. He said those losses had not stopped the team from continuing to get results and produce high-level performances, which made their campaign all the more significant. His prediction was emphatic: "Roma are the real favourites for the Scudetto. If they don't win it, it's because something strange happens. It's almost impossible that they don't win it." Cruciani gave Roma a 55% chance of winning the title, ahead of Inter on 40% and Milan on 5%. His view stands apart from his fellow panellists. Ivan Zazzaroni still considers Inter the favourites, while Sandro Sabatini sees the two clubs as essentially level. Cruciani, by contrast, has no doubts. For Roma fans, hearing such words from a Lazio supporter makes the prediction all the more striking.

Roma head to Old Trafford to face Manchester United, coached by Carrick, in the fourth matchday of the Champions League league phase, with Gasperini forced into a change in goal. Pierluigi Gollini has withdrawn at the last hour, so Devis Vásquez starts. Leonardo Balerdi comes in at centre-back instead of Evan N'Dicka, and Devyne Rensch is the right wing-back. Nahuel Molina and Emanuele Lulli are on the bench. The midfield and attack are unchanged, with Rodrigo Mora starting from the first minute. Manchester United line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Lammens in goal, Yoro, Maguire, Heaven and Dalot in defence, Mainoo and Baleba in midfield, Cunha, Fernandes and Diallo behind Mbeumo. Roma play a 3-4-2-1, with Vásquez; Mancini, Balerdi and Hermoso at the back; Rensch, Cristante, de Roon and Wesley in midfield; Soulé and Mora in support of Malen up front. United's bench includes Darlow, Heaton, Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Mount, Tielemans, Santos, Lacey, Fletcher, Amass and Zirkzee. Roma's bench features De Marzi, Koulierakis, N'Dicka, Pisilli, Ghilardi, Molina, Lulli, Di Nunzio and Castro.

Roma head to Old Trafford tonight for their Champions League League Phase fourth-matchday fixture against Manchester United, with the official line-ups now confirmed. Devis Vásquez is in goal, and Devyne Rensch and Leonardo Balerdi are both back in the starting side. The referee is the Spaniard Jesús Gil Manzano. Roma arrive after a 5-2 win over Udinese and face a Manchester United side led by Carrick. The Red Devils have had significant injury problems this early in the season and are still searching for their game. Gasperini's side are preparing for the atmosphere of Old Trafford, a ground where the Giallorossi have not always fared well. Tonight is a chance for Roma to show their character and respond to their recent form. The last visit to Old Trafford is a painful memory for Roma supporters. On 10 April 2007, 19 years ago, Manchester United beat the Giallorossi, then coached by Luciano Spalletti, 7-1, with De Rossi the only Roma scorer. Antonello Venditti's song lyric, "Notti di sogni, di coppe e di campioni" ("Nights of dreams, of cups and of champions"), captures the mix of hope and anxiety that surrounds European evenings in the Roma family. Among the fans, the feeling is that tonight is a night for answers, a night for the kind of performance that defines Roma.

Argentina boss Scaloni has called up Roma trio Matías Soulé, Leonardo Balerdi and Santiago Castro for the national team's upcoming friendlies. Argentina face Uruguay and Costa Rica in the coming weeks. Soulé, Balerdi and Castro are all current Roma players, and their selection is a boost for the Giallorossi with the internationals approaching. Each will now join up with Argentina's squad ahead of the matches.

Roma are two goals up at Old Trafford after 20 minutes of the Champions League league-phase match against Manchester United, but Gian Piero Gasperini has been dealt another injury blow. Devyne Rensch collapsed to the ground in the 20th minute with a muscle problem and was unable to continue. Emanuele Lulli came on in his place. The setback adds to Gasperini's growing list of injured players. Roma have made a strong start, and the loss of Rensch comes at a time when the squad is already stretched. His condition will be assessed in the coming days. The Dutch defender was forced off early in the first half after going down with what appeared to be a muscular problem. Roma's opening 20 minutes were described as extraordinary, with the Giallorossi already ahead by two goals before the injury took its toll.

Roma head to Old Trafford to face Manchester United, coached by Carrick, in the fourth matchday of the Champions League league phase, with Gasperini forced into a change in goal. Pierluigi Gollini has withdrawn at the last hour, so Devis Vásquez starts. Leonardo Balerdi comes in at centre-back instead of Evan N'Dicka, and Devyne Rensch is the right wing-back. Nahuel Molina and Emanuele Lulli are on the bench. The midfield and attack are unchanged, with Rodrigo Mora starting from the first minute. Manchester United line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Lammens in goal, Yoro, Maguire, Heaven and Dalot in defence, Mainoo and Baleba in midfield, Cunha, Fernandes and Diallo behind Mbeumo. Roma play a 3-4-2-1, with Vásquez; Mancini, Balerdi and Hermoso at the back; Rensch, Cristante, de Roon and Wesley in midfield; Soulé and Mora in support of Malen up front. United's bench includes Darlow, Heaton, Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Mount, Tielemans, Santos, Lacey, Fletcher, Amass and Zirkzee. Roma's bench features De Marzi, Koulierakis, N'Dicka, Pisilli, Ghilardi, Molina, Lulli, Di Nunzio and Castro.

Roma travel to Old Trafford tonight for their fourth League Phase match of the Champions League, facing Manchester United under head coach Michael Carrick, with Gian Piero Gasperini's side looking for points after a comprehensive win over Slovan Bratislava. Roma have four points from their first three European matches, while United sit on three points and are going through a very difficult spell. Gollini has been ruled out, and Devis Vásquez will start in goal in his place. The Roma line-up is a 3-4-2-1 formation: Vásquez; Balerdi, N'Dicka, Hermoso; Molina, De Roon, Cristante, Wesley; Soulé, Mora; Malen. Leonardo Balerdi is pushing Mancini for a place in the defence, while Rodrigo Mora is set for a starting spot. On the bench for Roma are De Marzi, Gollini, Koulierakis, Mancini, Ghilardi, Lulli, Rensch, Di Nunzio, Pisilli and Castro. Manchester United line up in a 4-2-3-1: Lammens; Yoro, Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Dalot; Mainoo, Andrey Santos; Mbeumo, Tielemans, Bruno Fernandes; Cunha. Their substitutes are Darlow, Heaton, De Ligt, Mazraoui, Heaven, Amass, Baleba, Mount, Diallo, Zirkzee and Lacey. The referee is Jesús Gil Manzano (Spain), assisted by Guadalupe Porras Ayuso and Diego Barbero, with Juan Martínez Munuera as fourth official. The VAR is Carlos del Cerro Grande, with Guillermo Cuadra Fernandez as assistant VAR.

Roma head to Old Trafford to face Manchester United, coached by Carrick, in the fourth matchday of the Champions League league phase, with Gasperini forced into a change in goal. Pierluigi Gollini has withdrawn at the last hour, so Devis Vásquez starts. Leonardo Balerdi comes in at centre-back instead of Evan N'Dicka, and Devyne Rensch is the right wing-back. Nahuel Molina and Emanuele Lulli are on the bench. The midfield and attack are unchanged, with Rodrigo Mora starting from the first minute. Manchester United line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Lammens in goal, Yoro, Maguire, Heaven and Dalot in defence, Mainoo and Baleba in midfield, Cunha, Fernandes and Diallo behind Mbeumo. Roma play a 3-4-2-1, with Vásquez; Mancini, Balerdi and Hermoso at the back; Rensch, Cristante, de Roon and Wesley in midfield; Soulé and Mora in support of Malen up front. United's bench includes Darlow, Heaton, Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Mount, Tielemans, Santos, Lacey, Fletcher, Amass and Zirkzee. Roma's bench features De Marzi, Koulierakis, N'Dicka, Pisilli, Ghilardi, Molina, Lulli, Di Nunzio and Castro.

Roma travel to Old Trafford tonight for their fourth League Phase match of the Champions League, facing Manchester United under head coach Michael Carrick, with Gian Piero Gasperini's side looking for points after a comprehensive win over Slovan Bratislava. Roma have four points from their first three European matches, while United sit on three points and are going through a very difficult spell. Gollini has been ruled out, and Devis Vásquez will start in goal in his place. The Roma line-up is a 3-4-2-1 formation: Vásquez; Balerdi, N'Dicka, Hermoso; Molina, De Roon, Cristante, Wesley; Soulé, Mora; Malen. Leonardo Balerdi is pushing Mancini for a place in the defence, while Rodrigo Mora is set for a starting spot. On the bench for Roma are De Marzi, Gollini, Koulierakis, Mancini, Ghilardi, Lulli, Rensch, Di Nunzio, Pisilli and Castro. Manchester United line up in a 4-2-3-1: Lammens; Yoro, Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Dalot; Mainoo, Andrey Santos; Mbeumo, Tielemans, Bruno Fernandes; Cunha. Their substitutes are Darlow, Heaton, De Ligt, Mazraoui, Heaven, Amass, Baleba, Mount, Diallo, Zirkzee and Lacey. The referee is Jesús Gil Manzano (Spain), assisted by Guadalupe Porras Ayuso and Diego Barbero, with Juan Martínez Munuera as fourth official. The VAR is Carlos del Cerro Grande, with Guillermo Cuadra Fernandez as assistant VAR.

Gian Piero Gasperini's Roma face Manchester United in matchday four of the Champions League league phase, and the line-up is taking shape. Gollini is sidelined with a back problem and is set to start on the bench, leaving Vásquez in goal. Leonardo Balerdi is ahead of Gianluca Mancini in the race to complete the back three alongside Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso. On the flanks, Nahuel Molina is preferred at right-back, with Emanuele Lulli pushing for a place, while Wesley starts on the left. Marten de Roon and Bryan Cristante are set to form the central midfield pairing. Up front, Matías Soulé will play behind Donyell Malen, with Rodrigo Mora having overtaken Niccolò Pisilli in the final hours before the match for a starting berth. Roma's expected starting XI: Vásquez; Balerdi, N'Dicka, Hermoso; Molina, De Roon, Cristante, Wesley, Soulé, Mora; Malen. The side lines up in a 3-4-2-1 formation.