ROMA (0) v ARSENAL (1) STADIO OLIMPICO CHAMPIONS LEAGUE, LAST 16, SECOND LEG KICK OFF: 7.45PM LIVE: SKY SPORTS Roma midfielder David Pizarro admits Arsenal have a slight edge as the two sides prepare for tonight s second leg. The Gunners travel to the I

ROMA (0) v ARSENAL (1)

STADIO OLIMPICO

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE, LAST 16, SECOND LEG

KICK OFF: 7.45PM

LIVE: SKY SPORTS

By Jem Maidment

Roma midfielder David Pizarro admits Arsenal have a slight edge as the two sides prepare for tonight's second leg.

The Gunners travel to the Italian capital with a 1-0 first-leg advantage and Pizarro, who is a doubt with a thigh strain, believes the tie is delicately balanced.

"I would say we have a 45 per cent chance of going through," Pizarro said.

"We played the first half of this challenge and Arsenal ended it ahead.

"If we think and act like we did in London, it will be tough. We are now forced to attack and in doing so will leave space at the back.

"When you consider the characteristics they have, such a mentality could be fatal, but we have to be better than them," he explained.

"They are quick and turn the ball over very well. This is also our way of playing football, so we'll see who does it best."

Roma warmed up for tonight's match with a 1-1 home draw with Udinese at the weekend, after having Daniele de Rossi sent off after 68 minutes.

Manchester-born Italy international midfielder Simone Perrotta definitely misses the second leg after picking up a hip injury during a training session at the Giallorossi's Trigoria HQ.

De Rossi is also out through suspension after a third yellow card of the competition at Emirates. Star man Francesco Totti (knee) faces a late fitness test after being rested against Udinese.

The omens are good for Arsenal, who beat Roma 3-1 on their last visit to the Italian capital in November 2002, and were 2-0 winners at AC Milan at the same stage of the competition 12 months ago.

Emmanuel Adebayor missed out, but Eduardo and Theo Walcott have bothed travelled after returning against Burnley on Sunday.

"Adebayor definitely won't be able to play against Roma," said Arsene Wenger.

"We are going into the game with belief and extreme desire to progress.

"The positive is we didn't concede at home. We know we cannot only go there and defend. We want to attack and try to score," Wenger added.

"We need to go to Roma and play our own game. It's very important for us to focus on scoring and going forward."

Arsenal fans have been warned to avoid Roma's notoriously fanatical Ultras, the same fans who attacked Manchester United followers two seasons ago.

The club has recommended travelling to the stadium on free buses from Villa Borghese which will have a police escort.

"If you travel to the stadium independently please be aware you are at risk," said a club spokesman.

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