Preview : AS Roma v Bayern Munich, November 23, 2010

Soccer Extreme : Roma host last season's UEFA Champions League runners-up Bayern Munich knowing that a victory would consolidate their second place in Group E.

The Bavarian giants have already secured their place in the first knockout round after recording four wins in a row while the Italians lie on six points.

The permutations are simple for the Italians. Victory at the Stadio Olimpico and a draw in the other games between Cluj and Basel, would mean qualification.

However if in the other game there is a winner or Roma fail to win, it would all come down to Matchday Six. Louis Van Gaal's side can afford to lose in the Eternal City as long as it is within a two-goal margin, so they can top the group.

Claudio Ranieri's side though, will be out for revenge after Bayern were comfortable 2-0 winners in the reverse fixture on Matchday One.

The Giallorossi have gathered momentum since their poor start to the season and are currently on a eight-match unbeaten run in all competitions defeating Udinese 2-0 in Serie A at the weekend.

Although Bayern are already through, Ranieri does not expect them to be taking things easy, particularly given they can ensure they win the group by earning a point.

"I don't expect them to be demobilised, they're a team with many great players," he said.

"We're not quite as fluid as I'd like us to be but I'm intrigued to see how my team plays against Bayern."

Meanwhile, the German champions have been on a poor run of form and are currently 14 points behind Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund and only managed a 1-1 draw against rivals Bayer Leverkusen at the weekend.

Bayern captain Philipp Lahm said his side are focused on securing top spot in the group to facilitate their passage in the knockout stages.

"We've got a perfect record with four wins from four and we're in the second round but we want more, we want at least a point tomorrow because we want to win the group," he said.

"The advantage of winning the group is that you play the away leg first in the second round and you also avoid the favourites.

"We want to get that first place as soon as possible, which is why we want to win in Rome."

Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi is back in the squad after recovering from a groin injury and is expected to start.

Centre-back Juan and striker Adriano returned from their respective thigh and ankle injuries at the weekend and have been included in the squad but Rodrigo Taddei remains sidelined with a calf problem.

Bayern have been hit by a series of injuries and suspensions depriving them of Mark van Bommel, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Arjen Robben, Miroslav Klose, Holger Badstuber and Ivica Olic.

Van Gaal is banking on hot-shot Mario Gomez to continue his recent streak in front of goal and will give some of his rusty players including Franck Ribery, Diego Contento and David Alaba the chance to get some much needed match practice.

Meanwhile, centre-back Martin Demichelis has recovered from a hamstring strain and is fit to play. (skysport)