Lazio will face Russian outfit Lokomotiv Moscow in UEFA Europa League group stage game on Thursday.
Venue: Lokomotiv Stadium
Key statistics
- Lazio are currently behind leaders Galatasaray in Group E with 5 points ( 1W 2D 1L).
- The Biancocelesti have failed to win their last two games in Europa League – two draws against Marseille.
- Lazio have managed only 2 wins in their last 5 games in Serie A and they are sixth in the table.
- Lokomotiv Moscow are at the bottom of the group, failing to win any of their four games.
Head to Head records
Lazio comfortably defeated Lokomotiv Moscow 2-0 in the reverse fixture, which was also their first-ever meeting in European competitions.
Latest performances in all competitions
Lokomotiv Moscow: W W D D L
Lazio: W D D W L
Lokomotiv Moscow
The Russian side are yet to open their account in Europa League this season and were beaten by Lazio in the reverse fixture.
Despite being at the bottom of the table, Lokomotiv Moscow will be hoping for a change of fortune by winning the next two games.
Their momentum might have taken a hit after losing to Akhmat Grozny in the weekend league game.
Fyodor Smolov has netted 7 goals in the Russian Premier League for Lokomotiv Moscow and the experienced striker will look to open his account in Europa League.
Possible Lokomotiv Moscow line-up
Guilherme; Maksim Nenakhov, Dmitri Barinov, Tin Jedvaj, Dmitri Zhivoglyadov; Gyrano Kerk, Konstantin Maradishvili, Alexis Beka Beka, François Kamano; Fyodor Smolov, Rifat Zhemaletdinov
Injured: Anton Miranchuk, Ze Luis, Stanislav Magkeev, Faustino Anjorin
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
Lazio
Lazio will be heading into the game on the back of a 2-0 defeat against Juventus in Serie A.
Maurizio Sarri’s return to Serie A hasn’t gone as planned, with Biancocelesti currently sitting sixth in the table.
Lazio’s form in recent weeks has been a huge concern, as they have managed only 2 wins in their last six games across all competitions.
Talking about their Europa League form, Lazio are second in Group E behind leaders Galatasaray with 5 points.
However, they need to be watchful to avoid any late slip-ups, with the bottom-most clubs, Marseille and Lokomotiv Moscow, not far behind the Italian giants in terms of points.
Sarri will be unable to call upon Ciro Immobile due to injury yet the Italian manager is likely to use Pedro as a false 9.
Possible Lazio line-up
Pepe Reina; Manuel Lazzari, Luiz Felipe, Francesco Acerbi, Elseid Hysaj; Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Lucas Leiva, Luis Alberto; Felipe Anderson, Pedro, Mattia Zaccagni
Injured: Ciro Immobile, Adam Marusic
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
Prediction
Lokomotiv Moscow 0 – 1 Lazio
