Roma's European record in England: one win, eight draws and twelve defeats

Gian Piero Gasperini is set to reshape Roma for tonight's Champions League clash away at Manchester United, with Bryan Cristante potentially moving into the attacking midfield role behind the front line. Il Messaggero's Daniele Aloisi reports that Niccolò Pisilli would take Cristante's place in midfield alongside Marten de Roon. The match marks the halfway point of the Champions League league phase. Cristante is expected to operate in the number ten area, although a start for Rodrigo Mora cannot be ruled out. Donyell Malen and Matías Soulé remain untouchable as the front pair. On the left, Wesley is set to play, while Devyne Rensch is pushing Emanuele Lulli on the right. At the back, Gasperini will rely on his best men, with Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso ready to form the three-man defence. Leonardo Balerdi is at risk after training on Monday with a heavy bandage on his right knee. Gollini is expected in goal, returning to Manchester where he spent time in the youth ranks from 2012 to 2014. Mile Svilar, Manu Koné and Paulo Dybala are once again out. Koné and Dybala are hoping to be available for Saturday's match against Sassuolo, though their involvement is not guaranteed.

Roma are training at Manchester United's historic Cliff training ground on the eve of their trip to face the Red Devils, with Gian Piero Gasperini set to finalise his team selection doubts in the morning session. The session is scheduled for 11am local time at the Cliff. The Cliff is the club's former first-team base, which Manchester United used for years until Sir Alex Ferguson pushed for a move in 2000. Ferguson's reason was a lack of privacy: he felt the facility was too open, with training sessions easily watched by journalists and, above all, by scouts working for rival clubs. He called them "spies" and suggested the club relocate, and it did. Manchester United now train at Carrington, while the Cliff remains in use by the youth teams and the women's side. For one day, the Cliff is also being used by Roma and by their Primavera side, who will face the English club in the Youth League. Ahead of the trip, Roma have already held a rehearsal session the previous day, followed by the morning training on the day of the match.

Rafa Benitez has called Manchester United against Roma at Old Trafford the most fascinating Italian fixture of the Champions League's two-day round, which takes place tonight, 3 November. The Spanish coach spoke to La Gazzetta dello Sport about the Italian sides' European schedule and focused mainly on the clash in Manchester. Benitez praised Roma's attacking approach. Gian Piero Gasperini's side have been scoring three, four or even five goals against any opponent in recent matches. Roma have also recovered from an undeserved defeat to Real Madrid with three strong results: a draw at Napoli, then wins over Cagliari and Udinese. Benitez believes the team is in good shape and has the confidence that comes from its style of play. Benitez said: "For the Italian clubs, I'd say it's the most fascinating of all. In a stadium that is a temple, against an opponent that is History, with the audacity that must be recognised in this Roma, who score three, four or even five goals against anyone, as the last few matches show. It is a complete side. It has come out of the shock of the undeserved defeat to Real Madrid with three outstanding results: the draw at Napoli and then the two wins over Cagliari and Udinese. It is in good shape, and has the confidence that comes from its football." On Manchester United, Benitez said: "Football is a lie, as I said years ago and still think today. Carrick has got them back on their feet, brought them to the Champions League, and now they are having to fight a crisis of results that is evident, both in the Premier League, where they are way behind, and in this competition. But Old Trafford is not easy for anyone, even if Manchester United are going through a bad time. Gasperini knows it well, Roma know it, and they will adjust accordingly."