Hello and welcome to Sports Mole's live coverage of the Champions League clash between Roma and Chelsea. Two weeks ago, the two clubs put on one of the matches of the season in a 3-3 draw at Stamford Bridge, but will we get to see a similar tussle tonight? Let's see who Eusebio Di Francesco and Antonio Conte have selected this evening...

CHELSEA XI: Courtois; Rudiger, David Luiz, Cahill; Azpilicueta, Bakayoko, Fabregas, Alonso; Pedro, Morata, Hazard

CHELSEA SUBSTITUTES: Caballero, Christensen, Zappacosta, Kenedy, Drinkwater, Willian, Batshuayi

ROMA XI: Alisson, Florenzi, Fazio, Jesus, Kolarov, Nainggolan, De Rossi, Strootman, El Shaarawy, Perotti, Dzeko

ROMA SUBSTITUTES: Skorupski, Moreno, Manolas, Gerson, Gonalons, Pellegrini, Cengiz

Let's start with Chelsea, with the big team news being the absence of N'Golo Kante. Conte had revealed that the midfielder had been in contention to make a return from a hamstring injury, but no risks have been taken on the Frenchman with Manchester United coming up on Sunday. Tiemoue Bakayoko and Cesc Fabregas line up in the centre of the park.

At the back, Gary Cahill keeps his place in the team, despite speculation that he was going to start this game on the bench. The club captain lines up alongside David Luiz and former Roma man Antonio Rudiger, who is making his first start for Chelsea in the Champions League.

It means that Cesar Azpilicueta features at wing-back instead of Davide Zappacosta, with Marcos Alonso taking his usual role on the left. It's as expected in attack, with Alvaro Morata heading a front three which also includes Pedro and Eden Hazard.

The Chelsea bench pretty much picks itself. Danny Drinkwater is a welcome addition after making his return from a calf injury, while Willian and Michy Batshuayi are the players to miss out in attack. Kenedy is required due to Victor Moses's spell on the sidelines.

Roma boss Di Francesco has made several alterations from the initial fixture between the sides, but goalscorers Aleksandar Kolarov and Edin Dzeko both start. Chelsea will be hoping that both former Manchester City men cannot repeat the level of performances that they produced at Stamford Bridge.

There's a change at full-back with Alessandro Florenzi coming back into the European starting lineup in place of Bruno Peres, who does not feature in the squad. That's arguably an improvement given the experience of the Italian international. Who can forget that halfway-line strike against Barcelona a few years ago?

In midfield, there is a return for club legend Daniele De Rossi. Maxime Gonalons had been preferred for the game in West London, but the 34-year-old is back to partner Radja Nainggolan. Further forward, Stephan El Shaarawy plays instead of Brazilian youngster Gerson.

As far as the bench is concerned, Di Francesco will be able to call upon Kostas Manolas this evening with the Greek international having recovered from the injury which had kept him out of the trip to England. Cengiz Under will also be hoping to get onto the pitch as the wait goes on for his first Roma goal. He netted against Tottenham Hotspur in a pre-season friendly during the summer.

Tonight's other game in this group sees Atletico Madrid host Qarabag. You would expect that match to be comfortable enough for the Spaniards but two weeks ago, Qarabag were able to hold Diego Simeone's men to a goalless draw.

The stalemate has led to Atletico reaching the halfway stage without a win, and it means that Atletico can only achieve a maximum of 11 points from this group. Chelsea sit top on seven points with Roma on five. With Roma visiting Madrid on matchday five, Atletico will want anything other than a Roma win this evening.

While Chelsea have been criticised lately, you cannot knock Conte's men too much with seven points being recorded from three games in this competition. The 6-0 demolition of Qarabag was a stroll in the park, but the 2-1 success at Atletico was a near-perfect away-day performance. Chelsea were far from their best at home to Roma and although they blew a two-goal lead, you could argue that it was still a point gained given the level of Roma's showing in West London.

Chelsea's start to this group should be deemed even more impressive given the rotation that Conte has either chosen to enforce or been forced into. Only two outfield players - Cahill and Alonso - have played every minute of the campaign with 17 players being used in total. That could become 18 and 19 if Kenedy or Drinkwater feature, even 20 if Caballero is required. The goals and assists have been shared around too. Not one player has contributed more than two of either, despite 11 goals being netted.

Morata has hit the headlines regarding his future over the past 48 hours and even though he has reaffirmed his allegiances to Chelsea, you get the impression that the forward would not mind returning to Italy at some point. Morata enjoyed two years in Turin with Juventus where 15 goals came in 63 Serie A appearances, but he was never able to find the net against Roma.

The summer signing may have enjoyed his time in Italy, but Chelsea tend not to. The Blues have failed to win any of their last five games in the country, with four defeats and 13 goals being conceded during that period. Chelsea's last success was a 4-0 win against Lazio - at tonight's venue - in 2003.

It has been as many as five years since Chelsea made the trip to Italy, however, with that occasion marking the final game of Roberto Di Matteo's reign. Juventus ran out 3-0 winners on that night with Chelsea putting in a simply torrid performance, just six months after winning the competition for the first time in their history.

However, the main statistics that Conte will look at are Chelsea's run of three successive wins in all competitions, an unbeaten streak of four games, and just two defeats coming in 14 matches. There has been much talk of discontent in West London but since the second weekend of the campaign, Chelsea have only lost to Manchester City and Crystal Palace in back-to-back fixtures.

Let's turn our attention to Roma, who are probably fooling you about the level of their performances given that they are sitting in fifth place in Serie A. Di Francesco's men have won eight games from 10 and have a game in hand. If that is won, the Giallorossi will sit just four points off the top.

Roma also possess the best defensive record in Italy by three goals. Just five goals have been conceded in 10 games, with three of those coming on the second weekend of the season against Inter Milan. The three goals they shipped at Stamford Bridge have to go down as an anomaly because seven clean sheets have been kept in their last 11 outings, including three successive shutouts heading into this match.

One positive for Chelsea is that Roma have failed to win any of their high-profile fixtures at the Stadio Olimpico this season. They have suffered defeats to both Inter and Napoli, and drew with Atletico Madrid. That should give Chelsea the confidence to express themselves a bit tonight.

Roma have also only scored twice in their last three home matches. Over the past week, they have registered 1-0 wins over Crotone and Bologna respectively, with one of those goals coming from the penalty spot. Dzeko has failed to net since his two-goal salvo at Stamford Bridge.

That should not mean that the Bosnian should be overlooked. Even with three games without a goal, Dzeko still has 10 goals from 13 games to his name this season. It has been 290 minutes since the 31-year-old found the back of the net, but don't bet against him ending that streak tonight.

The same can be said of his former Manchester City teammate Kolarov. The left-sided Serbian has been superb since returning to Rome, with three goals and three assists coming from 12 appearances. Kolarov's time at City petered out to a certain extent, but he has certainly revitalised his career back in Serie A, where he had previously represented Roma's city rivals Lazio.

PREDICTION! Usually, we would predict a low-scoring encounter between these two sides but given the result two weeks ago, we can't do that. That said, it should still be close but we are backing Roma to prevail tonight. Chelsea are still looking for their best form and anything below that may not be enough at the Stadio Olimpico. Roma to win 3-1.

HEAD TO HEAD! There have been five previous meetings between the two clubs, with Chelsea winning twice and Roma claiming one victory. There has never been an away success in this fixture with Roma's one and only triumph over the Blues coming on their own turf in 2008.

On that occasion, Chelsea were put to the sword by Mirko Vucinic, who netted twice in 10 second-half minutes to take the game away from the English side. John Terry scored a consolation 15 minutes from time.

It's time for the two teams to make their way out at a hostile Stadio Olimpico. There's never a dull atmosphere when Roma play at home and that is certainly a case here. Chelsea have a job on their hands this evening but if they can emerge victorious, they will secure qualification.

A remainder of the team news...

ROMA XI: Alisson, Florenzi, Fazio, Jesus, Kolarov, Nainggolan, De Rossi, Strootman, El Shaarawy, Perotti, Dzeko

CHELSEA XI: Courtois; Rudiger, David Luiz, Cahill; Azpilicueta, Bakayoko, Fabregas, Alonso; Pedro, Morata, Hazard

KICKOFF! Chelsea get us underway.

What a start. Roma score after just 38 seconds and it's a stunning strike from El Shaarawy, who finds the top corner with a half-volley from 20 yards. Dzeko's flick had gone to no-one but the winger was able to run onto the ball under little pressure.

CHANCE! Before Roma's goal, Chelsea could have scored through Pedro, and they should probably score here too. The ball is sent over the top for Hazard, but the Belgian fails to get it out of his feet and his scuffed effort is comfortably saved by Alisson.

The two teams have basically picked up from where they left off at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea will have no idea how they are behind.

Chelsea are having so much success going forward. They are throwing men forward and looking for an immediate equaliser. On this occasion, Alonso's cross is excellent but it has too much pace on it.

Roma are finally starting to assert some control on proceedings, which sounds strange given their lead but that is how it has been. Dare I say it but Chelsea are showing the same kind of quality on the ball as they did at Atletico. Like in Madrid, they are going to have to come from behind.

I can't see a period of this match which won't be entertaining. Chelsea just committed three players forward to try to close down one defender and Roma tried to capitalise in the extra space.

Roma are starting to get on top. Chelsea have a slightly strange mentality where the attackers are pressing and the midfielders and defenders are sitting deep. There's a big area in front of the Chelsea midfield when the front three lose the ball.

Much better from Chelsea who put together a few neat passes before Bakayoko tries a shot from 25 yards. A Roma defender makes the block but the Blues are soon back in possession.

Chelsea have improved over the past few minutes, but they are having little joy when attempting to be intricate on the edge of the area. The little flicks aren't paying off. They need to keep sending the ball down the flanks.

The chances have dried up but this game is still relatively entertaining. A lot of Roma's quality is subtle and sooner rather than later, they are going to start creating openings.

SHOT! This is excellent from Hazard who dances around a couple of defenders before getting a shot away from 16 yards. However, the Belgian's strike is far too close to Alisson.

Back come Roma who manage to earn a corner. The ball eventually ends up on the edge of the penalty area where De Rossi drills miles over the crossbar.

SHOT! Hazard should allow a pass to find Alonso behind him, but he instead controls and gets a shot away. However, again, it's too close to Alisson.

CHANCE! Chelsea should be level. Roma gift Morata a chance from six yards out after a clearance is fired against a Chelsea player but the Spaniard fires well over from close range. It's been a while since the summer signing scored. A month to be exact in Madrid.

Chelsea are still having the larger percentage of possession but despite the chances, they are not doing enough with the ball. Pedro and Hazard are busy and a constant threat, but the end product just isn't there.

As suggested earlier, Chelsea have more joy when they take the ball to the sides and after Alonso almost finds Morata with a cross, Hazard is then stamped on by Florenzi, who puts his foot down the back of the winger's heels. Could have easily been a penalty, or a free kick. It was right on the line. The referee gave nothing.

I think Hazard is going to be fine to continue but Chelsea are playing with 10 men while he receives treatment. Half- hour through this game and Chelsea remain behind, but continue to be the better side.

Roma work a throw-in on the right flank to a crossing situation for Florenzi, but his delivery is abysmal and Luiz clears.

Chelsea have had to remain on the defensive for the past few minutes. It's come as a result of Hazard going off for treatment. Chelsea lost all of their momentum. They need to ensure that they don't concede a second before the break.

CHANCE! As I wrote that, a mistake from Luiz gives Roma a three-on-two situation. Dzeko is patient before setting up El Shaarawy, but the winger's low shot is easily saved by Courtois.

What was Rudiger thinking?! A pass from Nainggolan is innocuous enough but Rudiger tries to leave the ball for Courtois. However, El Shaarawy nips in and flicks the ball past the goalkeeper from inside the penalty area. It's calamitous. Chelsea are up against it now. As it stands, they are going to be dropping down to second.

Chelsea have more problems with Azpilciueta needing treatment on the sidelines. He appears to be in some distress.

Azpilicueta is struggling. Zappacosta is being readied bit the right wing-back wants to give it a go. Roma are playing the ball about with ease right now. They have this game under control.

LATEST! Well, well, well. Qarabag lead Atletico in Madrid! Chelsea could do with the Spanish giants failing to win this evening.

Chelsea went into this game having not won in Italy since 2003. I'd say that streak is going to continue.

SHOT! The Blues finally mount a response with Alonso curling a right-footed effort towards the far corner, only to be denied by Alisson. However, there's a bigger opening coming up...

CHANCE! The resulting corner finds the head of Bakayoko but the midfielder sends a free header wide from no more than eight yards. He should score.

There will be one minute of added-on time.

The half-time whistle goes in Italy and Roma lead thanks to El Shaarawy's double. Chelsea have probably been the better side, but Roma are in total control. A glaring mistake from Rudiger - who was signed from the Serie A giants in the summer - has contributed to the Blues' downfall.

Chelsea could have opened the scoring after 20 seconds before Roma scored a stunner after 39. It was a very eventful start. The ball fell invitingly for El Shaarawy but he certainly did not pass up the opportunity, rifling home a half-volley into the corner from 20 yards. Courtois had absolutely no chance.

The Premier League side had their chances to equalise but nine minutes before the break, Chelsea gifted their hosts a second goal. Rudiger allowed a pass from Nainggolan to find El Shaarawy, whose instinctive flick went to the side of Courtois and into the bottom corner.

Chelsea will take the positives from creating chances at the Stadio Olimpico but they have left themselves in a pickle here. If Atletico turn things around against Qarabag, the onus is on the Blues to get at least a draw from this fixture. If they can't, things start to get interesting.

The two teams are beginning to make their way back out at the Stadio Olimpico. It looks like Azpilicueta is fit enough to continue.

KICKOFF! Roma get us back underway.

CHANCE! It's all Roma at the start of this second half. A cross from the left finds the run of Dzeko, but the striker's flick goes wide of the far post.

Chelsea have to try to get Morata in the game. There is sometimes criticism of Batshuayi's general involvement but Morata has been equally ineffective outside of the box.

The Spaniard is now down after getting a kick from Jesus. Before that, the ball had bounced off the forward and he lost control. It has really not been his greatest game.

Roma are beginning to look dangerous on the break. Chelsea are naturally starting to leave gaps with Azpilicueta and Alonso trying to make ground down the flanks. Only a wayward pass from Dzeko stopped a chance being created.

SHOT! Dzeko was quiet in the first half but he is Roma's main man now. The Bosnian receives a pass just inside the box before sending a rising effort over the bar.

SUBSTITUTION! Conte has decided to act. Willian is replacing Cahill. It's a change in system.

Actually, we are just going to see Azpilicueta drop back into defence and Pedro operate at wing-back. Still, it's a show of intent from Conte.

SHOT! Straightaway, Chelsea go on the offensive and Morata drags a low shot just wide of the post from 20 yards. Atletico have equalised against Qarabag, which is not the news that Chelsea wanted.

Roma have acknowledged the extra threat and started to focus more of their attention on retaining the ball. It's all about game management for the home side now.

We are an hour through this contest now and Chelsea don't really look like halving the deficit. You feel that it may take something special for the Blues to get on the scoresheet. Remember, Roma have only conceded five goals in 10 Serie A games this season.

Game over. Fabregas concedes possession and Roma take the opportunity to advance forward, with Perotti drilling an unstoppable shot into the bottom corner from more than 20 yards out. It's a class goal. Chelsea have been outclassed tonight.

Chelsea just don't enjoy games in Italy, do they? It's going to be five defeats in six games in the country. The Stadio Olimpico is rocking.

It won't be long before Conte starts to think about the weekend. Manchester United are the visitors to Stamford Bridge. Changes won't be far away.

CHANCE! It should be 4-0. Chelsea are all over the place. Dzeko fends off the attention of three players before setting up Perotti, who is all on his own. However, the attacker blazes his first-time effort high over the crossbar from 14 yards out.

With 20 minutes to go, this game is pretty much over as a contest. When Chelsea do have the ball in and around the box, they are attempting Hollywood passes.

SUBSTITUTION! Conte makes a second change, with Drinkwater replacing Fabregas.

SUBSTITUTIONS! It's time for some Roma changes with El Shaarawy getting a standing ovation as he is replaced by Gerson. Florenzi has also been withdrawn for Manolas.

SUBSTITUTIONS! More changes, this time for Chelsea. Batshuayi has replaced the disappointing Morata.

In terms of action, there is very little happening. Chelsea are having the odd flurry forward but like throughout the match, the end product has been poor.

SHOT! Courtois has this shot from Nainggolan covered, but he is still required to tip his 20-yard strike wide of the post.

CHANCE! He didn't have this covered. Courtois pulls off a worldie to deny Manolas's point-blank header.

LATEST! It's still 1-1 in Madrid but Qarabag are down to 10 men. The importance of that result cannot be understated. Things would be much easier for Chelsea if Atletico don't score a winner.

To their credit, Chelsea are still giving this a go but there's still very little urgency. It's going to be back to the drawing board ahead of the visit of Man United.

SHOT! Drinkwater tries his luck from all of 25 yards out but despite a well-struck effort, Alisson makes an easy save.

The oles are coming from the Roma fans. Their side are taking great joy in making Chelsea chase the ball. There shouldn't be much added-on time.

SUBSTITUTION! A final change for Roma sees Pellegrini come on for Perotti.

Atletico have had Savic sent off against Qarabag. It's now 10 men apiece and still 1-1. Chelsea need that to stay as it is.

We haven't been told how much added-on time there will be but there won't be much. This game is all but over.

The full-time whistle goes in Italy and Roma have confirmed their 3-0 win over a hapless Chelsea side. The Blues had their chances but they were desperately below par at the Stadio Olimpico and Roma were full value for their win.

However, there is positive news. Atletico have been held by Qarabag, meaning that Chelsea still hold a four-point advantage over the Spanish giants with two games to play. Chelsea will qualify for the last 16 with a win over Qarabag in three weeks' time.

That will be all from Sports Mole for this game. Thank you for joining us this evening and we hope to see you again soon.

If you would like to read our on-the-whistle report from Rome, you can click here. Goodbye for now.