AS Roma seek securing at least one point when they host Valencia on Tuesday to guarantee a place in the UEFA Champions League first knock-out stage. The Italian capital side are second in Group D with seven points, two ahead of Shakhtar Donetsk, who play basement team Olympiakos. Valencia have already advanced as group winners. Even if the Ukrainians won in Greece, Roma will edge through due to their supremacy in the head-to-head record. Roma will have to complete their mission without inspiring captain Francesco Totti, who was ruled out of the game through injury. "Totti will not be part of the squad because he hurt his ankle," coach Luciano Spalletti confirmed on Monday. "I also have doubts over Simone Perrotta, I hope he will be able to play but I cannot guarantee this will be the case," he was quoted as saying by Calcio Italia magazine. Totti's absence is a big blow for Roma as the World Cup winner plays the leading role this season in their Serie A campaign, notching nine goals placed him on the top of scorers' charts in Italy. He also netted Roma's only goal from the spot during the 2-1 defeat against Valencia at the Mestalla in their first encounter.
Valencia Vincenzo Montella is set to cover the void, supported by flying wingers Mancini and Rodrigo Taddei on the flanks. But if Spalletti has to operate without just two of his stars, his opposite number Quique Flores misses more than half of his starting line-up. Strikers David Villa and Fernando Morientes are sidelined with different injuries, paving the road for Francesco Tavano and David Silva to strike a rare partnership up front. The starting duo join midfielders David Albelda, Jaime Gavilan and Edu and defenders Asier del Horno, Miguel, Emiliano Moretti and Carlos Marchena, who are all on the long injury list. Right-winger Miguel Angulo won't be available for the match after pulling out of the squad due to the death of his mother. In Group C, Liverpool play Galatasaray and PSV Eindhoven take on Bordeaux in two games that will have no effect on the four sides. Former champions Liverpool have already guaranteed first spot and will be coupled by PSV to the round of the 16. Bordeaux will remain happy with their UEFA Cup spot while the Turkish team's European adventure has came to an end.
