The race for qualification from Group E is wide open as Roma travel to Basel in the Champions League.
Three points would put either side in strong position
The race for qualification from Group E is wide open as Roma travel to Basel in the UEFA Champions League.
With Bayern Munich sitting pretty at the top of the standings and six points clear of all the other teams in the pool, it is now a fight to finish second and earn a place in the last 16.
Swiss champions Basel are currently ahead of Roma and CFR Cluj on goal difference following their 3-1 win in the Stadio Olimpico a fortnight ago.
If they can repeat their performance of Matchday Three and earn a victory at St Jakob Park then it would give them an excellent chance of reaching the knockout rounds of the competition for the first time since the 2002/03 campaign.
The Giallorossi have blown hot and cold in Serie A so far this season and are currently languishing in mid-table.
A European away trip may take their minds off their domestic plight, but the omens do not look good as they prepare for the clash.
Roma have never won in Switzerland, recording two draws and two defeats to date, and lost at Basel in their opening game of the Europa League last term.
Indeed, Basel have won seven of nine European home games since the start of last season. Although beaten by Bayern Munich in the group stage they have already earned victories over Debrecen and FC Sheriff in qualifying.
Thorsten Fink's side used the victory against Roma last time out as a springboard to go on an impressive domestic run and now sit top of the Swiss league.
Team news
Fink tinkered with the team as they beat AC Bellinzona 3-1 on Saturday, and he could recall a number of players.
However, Genseric Kusunga went off with a muscle problem at the weekend and is a doubt to face the Italians.
Meanwhile, Jacques Zoua has not played since tearing a thigh muscle on 10th September while on international duty with Cameroon.
Roma captain Francesco Totti was sent off during the 2-0 win over Lecce on Saturday and will miss the derby with rivals Lazio next weekend.
Totti will face Basel, though, and Jeremy Menez, Daniele De Rossi and Julio Sergio all returned to action against Lecce.
Defender Philippe Mexes is set to miss out with a fever, while midfielder Matteo Brighi is out for three weeks with a thigh injury.
Roma have also been without key players David Pizarro, Rodrigo Taddei and Adriano in recent weeks.
