Verdict: Lazio win & Under 4.5 goals
Best Odds: 20/21
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
Seeking an essential boost when they mark their return from November’s International break this weekend, Lazio will welcome Lecce to the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday evening.
Lazio
Starting with the hosts, suffering an infamous collapse last season as they eventually fell short in the race to book any kind of European adventure, Lazio opened up proceedings back in August with plenty of expectations on their shoulders. However, last seen heading into November’s international break with a 2-0 loss away at historic foes Inter Milan, Maurizio Sarri certainly has some increasing scrutiny on his role in the Stadio Olimpico dugout. Despite securing a stellar 1-0 victory against Juventus on October 26th, the former Chelsea boss has seen his squad win just a trio of their previous nine Serie A appearances. Signing off October with a downbeat 0-0 stalemate away at Pisa, Lazio have also struggled to find any real fluidity in the final third. Getting this weekend’s fixtures underway holding just a one-point buffer from slipping out the top-half of the table, Sarri’s men are desperately seeking an immediate response here.
Lazio Team News
In what is a major blow for Lazio, the Eagles confirmed this week that midfield talisman Nicolo Rovella will underdog groin surgery and faces a lengthy stint on the sidelines. However, Sarri’s camp are hopeful that former Arsenal defender Nuno Tavares could make a first appearance since October 19th.
Now in his fourth campaign at the Stadio Olimpico, Italian international Alessio Romagnoli will start at the heart of Lazio’s defence on Sunday evening. Former Barcelona superstar Pedro could be handed a full recall and make just a second Serie A start since the end of September here.
Lecce
As for the visitors, while Lecce might have dragged themselves over the finishing line last season as they eventually clung to their Serie A status, it appears that the Wolves are destined for another relegation scrap this time around. Last seen heading into November’s international break with another toothless performance as they had to settle for a 0-0 stalemate at home against Verona, Eusebio Di Francesco’s men have won just a pair of their previous 12 appearances across all competitions. Signing off October with a 1-0 defeat at home against reigning Italian champions Napoli, Lecce have also shown some extended struggles in the final third. Notching just eight Serie A strikes in their first 11 top-flight showdowns, only one club outside the relegation zone has recorded fewer domestic strikes so far this season.
Lecce Team News
Both still dealing with respective long-term knee injuries, Lecce will be unable to call upon the duo of Gaby Jean and summer recruit Filip Marchwinski on Sunday evening. However, suffering with a muscle issue prior to November’s fortnight interval, French midfielder Balthazar Pierret could return to Di Francesco’s squad.
Featuring for Albania over the past fortnight, former Aberdeen star Ylber Ramadani will start in the middle of the park and should be partnered alongside Mali international Lassana Coulibaly. Recording two goals in his previous four Serie A appearances, Medon Berisha will shoulder plenty of Lecce’s threat in the final third.
Lazio vs Lecce Key Factors to Consider
- When Lecce last travelled to the Stadio Olimpico back on May 25th, Sunday’s guests claimed a famous 1-0 victory in Rome.
- Lazio have registered just a trio of wins from any of their previous nine straight Serie A appearances.
- Lecce have won just a pair of their previous 12 appearances across all competitions.
- All of Lazio’s last five Serie A appearances have finished with under 2.5 goals.
- Notching just eight Serie A strikes in their first 11 top-flight showdowns, only one club outside the relegation zone has recorded fewer domestic strikes than Lecce.
Conclusion
Marking their return from November’s international break with a huge amount of pressure on their shoulders, Lazio know the importance of claiming a much-welcomed boost here. While Lecce might have secured a famous 1-0 win when they last travelled to the Stadio Olimipico back on May 25th, Sunday’s guests find themselves pencilled in as a major underdog this weekend. Although chances could come at a premium in Rome, we are backing Sarri’s camp to secure a fifth Serie A victory of the season.
Verdict: Lazio win & Under 4.5 goals
Best Odds: 20/21
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
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