Preview: Sampdoria vs. Roma

Roma will attempt to put Champions League disappointment behind them this weekend by climbing to the summit of the Serie A table.

The Giallorossi were thrashed 7-1 at home to Bayern Munich in midweek, although domestically speaking, with Juventus playing a day later Rudi Garcia's charges could temporarily take top spot with three points against an unbeaten Sampdoria side.

Their late 3-2 loss against the current leaders aside, Roma have won every game so far this season to emerge as real contenders for the title at this early stage.

Stalwart Daniele De Rossi apologised to supporters following that embarrassing European defeat, which he described as being "like a dagger in the heart".

The trip to the Stadio Luigi Ferraris offers Roma the perfect opportunity to win back the affection of their fans, however, although it will by no means be an easy contest.

Sampdoria find themselves in third place in the table, just three points behind their weekend opponents, having not lost a single league game.

One of the key aspects of the Blucerchiati's run has been their ability to shut out opponents, keeping four clean sheets in their eight games so far.

They may have been held by Cagliari last time out, but there is no denying that Sampdoria are a force to be reckoned with this season as they chase down a European spot.

Recent league form

Sampdoria: WDWWWD

Roma: WWWWLW

Possible starting lineups

Sampdoria: Viviano, Romagnoli, Cacciatore, Obiang, Palombo, Silvestre, De Silvestri, Okaka, Gabbiadini, Soriano, Eder

Roma: Skorupski, Maicon, Manolas, Yanga-Mbiwa, Holebas, Pjanic, Keita, Nainggolan, Iturbe, Totti, Gervinho

Sports Mole says: 1-1