The motivation is completely on Roma side. Cluj have no chance to qualify for Champions League knock out stage. Even more, Cluj have no chance to qualify for UEFA Europe League during the bad mutual score with Basel. So, Romanian players will be without any sport motivation here. It is true that UEFA is giving big money for every victory, but I don't believe that will change something. The situation in the team is bad at the moment. Cluj played far from desired in both competitions, Champions League and domestic championship. That is why coach Sorin Cartu was changed last month. Alin Minteuan is announced as a temporary solution. For this match Minteuan is handicapped as Tomas Costa and Gabriel Muresan are injured, while Felice Piccolo is suspended.

Now about Roma. They started the championship very bad. But the team is getting the right form. Coach Claudio Ranieri is repeating the last season - bad start and brilliant finish. For this game Ranieri is without injured trio David Pizarro, Simone Perrotta and John Arne Riise. It is a handicap for Roma, no doubt about that. Still, I am sure Ranieri have enough quality players and the team won't be affected.

The main reason for my pick is the quality. I am sure Roma is the better team and since the motivation is also on their side, I expect Roma to win and to qualify for knock out stage. The first match at Olympico ended with Roma victory (2:1), as well as the Roma last visit in Romania on 26.11.2008 (Roma won 3:1).