Bordeaux and Roma clash as both look to bounce back from opening defeats in their UEFA Champions League campaigns.
Duo looking for opening win
Bordeaux and Roma clash as both look to bounce back from opening round defeats in their UEFA Champions League campaigns.
The two sit at the foot of Group A after Bordeaux were soundly beaten 4-0 at Chelsea, whilst Roma were shocked 2-1 at home by Romanian champions Cluj.
Both teams have had decent rather than spectacular starts to their domestic campaigns and will be keen to secure victory.
Laurent Blanc has called on his players to show they are better than the match against Chelsea suggested.
"When you play teams that are technically better than you, you have to show controlled aggression," said Blanc.
"When you stand off players like Frank Lampard and Joe Cole, you lose. If we allow the Roma players time, we'll have the same problem."
Roma coach Luciano Spalletti admits the match is a big game for both teams.
"It is crucial for both teams to get a result," he said.
"I don't know where the match will be decided but we have the morale and the desire to do well."
Injury news
On the injury front, Bordeaux suffered a blow at the weekend when goalkeeper Ulrich Rame tore his groin. This means inexperienced understudy Mathieu Valverde will come in.
Wendel and Alou Diarra both return to the squad after serving domestic bans.
For Roma their talismanic skipper Francesco Totti remains sidelined with the knee injury which has meant he has appeared just twice for the Giallorossi this season.
Juan, Marco Cassetti, Max Tonetto and David Pizarro are also sidelined for the Italians.
