Sun 26th Feb 2017
Kick Off: 14:00 Hrs
Venue: Stadio Olimpico, Rom


Lazio vs Udinese Preview and Prediction

Lazio host Udinese on Sunday, which is a big opportunity for them to gain some ground in the race for next season’s Champions League. The Biancocelesti are currently sixth in the table, seven points off the top three going in to the weekend. However, the coming fixtures are working in their favour. The four sides above them in the table are all facing each other in this round of games, so there’s certainly a chance for Lazio to make up some ground on the teams above them. Could they take full advantage with a victory over a mid-table Udinese side?

Lazio do have a solid record at home to back them up here, having won 62% of their outings at the Stadio Olimpico in the league. The Biancocelesti do have a pretty big game on the horizon, as they face bitter rivals Roma in a Coppa Italia semi-final first leg. That clash is bound to be exciting fans in Rome, but the hosts can’t allow it to distract them from their league duties on Sunday. This is potentially their biggest chance to make an impact in the Champions League race, so they need to be focused on dealing with Udinese first.

Udinese come in to this game in really poor form, having lost five of their last seven matches in Serie A. They should be an easy target for the Biancocelesti, who need to put together a strong run to make sure of a European spot. While they could take a huge step towards the top three, Lazio also have AC Milan breathing down their neck. Claiming a place in next season’s Europa League isn’t going to be an easy feat.

The visitors don’t appear to be in strong enough form to cause any problems at the Olimpico. Udinese have averaged just a point per game on their travels, while they’ve scored 0.83 per game away from home. That blunt attack should trouble a Lazio side who have conceded just 0.85 times per home game this term. The Zebrette have failed to score in 50% of their matches on the road so far, including their last four trips in Serie A.

Lazio should dominate this game, and they’re likely to make the most of their home advantage. The Biancocelesti have conceded 38% of their league goals at the Olimpico this term, and we’re backing them not to add to their goals against tally this weekend. The hosts have won every time they’ve kept a clean sheet this season, so we’re going with a win to nil for the Champions League challengers, which seems very well priced at 7/5 with bet365.

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HEAD TO HEAD
Lazio have won four of their last six meetings with Udinese.
LAZIO VS UDINESE STATS
Just 46% of Lazio’s home games have seen over 2.5 goals scored, while the hosts have scored more than twice in 31% of matches here. They’ve managed to win by at least two goals in 62% of their victories at the Olimpico this term.
LAZIO TEAM NEWS


Lazio are without playmaker Lucas Biglia here, as he’s serving a suspension. Goalkeeper Federico Marchetti is also missing for this clash.
UDINESE TEAM NEWS

Udinese are without suspended attacking midfielders Rodrigo de Paul and Emil Hallfredsson. Midfielder Assane Gnoukouri also misses out.
LAZIO VS UDINESE PREDICTIONS :both team to score