Manchester United vs Roma Betting Tips

Manchester United's rampant form has seen them go through their domestic opponents in a manner akin to that of a combine harvester ploughing through a cornfield. But their Champions League performances so far haven't been quite so exhilarating and they face a task tougher than some may be anticipating when tackling Roma in the first leg of this quarter-final tie on Wednesday evening. The Italian side, currently second in Serie A behind runaway leaders Inter, but in turn clear of third-placed Lazio, have been awesome at the Stadio Olimpico this season, losing just one of the 22 games played in their backyard. In the league, they have been scoring for fun on home soil, netting a very healthy 35 in 15 home fixtures - an average of 2.3 per game. As such, Roma's goalscoring potential is there for all to see. And United haven't been helped by the ankle injury sustained to Gary Neville, which will cause him to miss this encounter, while Nemanja Vidic broke his collar bone in the 4-1 win over Blackburn Rovers at Old Trafford on Sunday, so he'll be on the easy list, one suspects, for at least the next five to six weeks. Roma boss Luciano Spalletti will be without defender Max Tonetto, after he pulled a thigh muscle during a training session last Friday, but his side will be buoyed by the return of Romanian defender Christian Chivu is likely to be fit for the tie after recovering from a nose injury. Otherwise, suspended midfielder David Pizarro is the only first-team regular who will be missing. The home side's star, Francesco Totti, has been in fine form and the midfield trio of Simone Perrotta, Rodrigo Taddei and Mancini have all been doing their bit for the Italian side. One thing's for sure, Sir Alex Ferguson's men will have their work cut out from a defensive perspective and, with the home fans likely to create a hostile atmosphere, the Red Devils will also have to be at the top of their game in terms of mental strength, as well as physically. Needless to say, the visitors' attacking threat will ensure that Roma's back four also have plenty on their plate. Much has been made of Wayne Rooney's current form in terms of goals, and he does have a hoodoo to break in as much that he hasn't netted a goal in Europe since his debut in this very competition in 2004. But collectively United are firing on all cylinders and goals are flowing. Louis Saha is back in the mix having recovered from injury, which will be a welcome relieved for United as the recent departure of on-loan striker Henrik Larsson has left them short of forwards. However, the like of Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs have, despite their advancing years, been menacing when bearing down on the opposition's goalkeepers, and they'll both make their presence felt. When it comes to the crunch, though, I really fancy Roma to get a result in this match. United have been beaten in two of their four away matches in this tournament and while there's no doubting their class - and that they have a one-man match-winner in their side in the shape of Cristiano Ronaldo - I can't help feeling that they will be vulnerable in this encounter. With four goals in seven matches in this tournament already this season, Totti has been going great guns. This match is the type in which the 30-year-old will rise to the occasion and I reckon the Italian international will be hard to keep off the scoresheet. The 9/4 on offer with Paddy Power about him in the anytime goalscorer market makes plenty of appeal. Verdict - 2pts Francesco Totti in the anytime goalscorer market @ 9/4 (Paddy Power)