Conference League LIVE: Roma vs. CSKA Sofia
Stephan El Shaarawy and Eldor Shomurodov try to inspire Roma against CSKA Sofia in the opening Europa Conference League match.
It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).
Europa Liveblog: Galatasaray-Lazio, Leicester-Napoli and Roma-CSKA
The Giallorossi have won all five of their matches under Jose Mourinho, including the two-legged Conference League play-off against Trabzonspor and Sunday’s dramatic 2-1 victory over Sassuolo.
El Shaarawy curled in the winner during stoppages and he is rewarded with a place in the starting XI, alongside Shomurodov, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Carles Perez and Shomurodov.
Riccardo Calafiori steps in at left-back to rest Matias Vina, while Chris Smalling returns to the starting XI.
CSKA Sofia have an injury crisis, meaning they’ve made the trip to Rome from Bulgaria with only 17 players.
Adding to their woes is the ban for top scorer Jordy Caicedo, with Amos Youga, Geferson, Thibaut Vion and Bismark Charles absent.
These teams are in the same group as Bodo/Glimt and Zorya Luhansk.
Roma: Rui Patricio; Karsdorp, Mancini, Smalling, Calafiori; Villar, Diawara; Perez, Pellegrini, El Shaarawy; Shomurodov
Roma bench: Fuzato, Ibanez, Cristante, Abraham, Veretout, Reynolds, Mayoral, Zaniolo, Kumbulla, Darboe, Zalewski, Mkhitaryan
CSKA Sofia: Busatto; Turitsov, Mattheij, Galabov, Mazikou; Yomov, Muhar, Lam, Wildschut; Carey, Krastev
CSKA Sofia bench: Evtimov, Varela, Bai, Catakovic, Donchev, Ahmedov
Ref: Nyberg (SWE)