Prediction: FC Twente vs Lazio

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best odds: 2/3

Bookmaker: BetUS

FC Twente will aim to claim their first win of the Europa League campaign on Thursday when they face group leaders Lazio at De Grolsch Veste.

The Tukkers, have managed just two points from their first two matches, while Lazio sit comfortably at the top of the pack.

FC Twente

Despite being winless in their first two Europa League matches this season, FC Twente can draw positives from their performances against high-calibre opponents. A hard-fought 1-1 draw at Old Trafford against Manchester United and a home stalemate against Fenerbahce have shown that the Tukkers can hold their own.

However, their lack of victories means Twente are now winless in nine Europa League games as they prepare for Thursday’s encounter with Lazio. Domestically, Joseph Oosting’s side has experienced mixed fortunes, following up a loss to Feyenoord with a 1-1 draw against RKC Waalwijk, leaving them sixth in the Eredivisie.

One positive for Twente is their consistent goal-scoring form, netting in 21 consecutive matches across all competitions since March. As they prepare to face Italian opposition for the first time in nearly 50 years, memories of their 1975 UEFA Cup triumph over Juventus may serve as inspiration for their clash with Lazio.

Team News

FC Twente will be without key Moroccan midfielder Younes Taha for their Europa League clash with Lazio, as he remains sidelined with a long-term leg injury, expected to keep him out until 2025. Oosting may consider some changes to the side that managed a late draw against RKC Waalwijk last weekend, but Michel Vlap, who scored the opener in their last European fixture against Fenerbahce, should retain his spot.

Sem Steijn, another pivotal figure, is also expected to keep his place after continuing his impressive form with another goal on Saturday. Steijn has now been directly involved in nine of Twente’s 16 league goals this season, making him a key player for Oosting’s side as they seek their first Europa League win of the campaign.

Lazio

Lazio head into their Europa League clash with FC Twente on the back of an impressive start to their European campaign, having secured back-to-back wins over Dynamo Kyiv and Nice. Their dominant 4-1 victory against Nice at Stadio Olimpico was highlighted by a brace from top scorer Taty Castellanos, putting the Biancocelesti firmly atop their group with six points from six.

Marco Baroni’s side are now aiming to maintain their perfect record and secure a top-eight finish, which would automatically send them through to the last 16. Lazio’s free-scoring form—having netted more goals than any other team in the competition (seven)—suggests they are well-positioned to win their third consecutive European fixture, a feat they’ve achieved only twice before.

While Lazio have been in fine form overall, winning four straight matches across Serie A and the Europa League before last week’s narrow defeat to Juventus, their away form remains a concern. Despite their success at home, they average less than a point per game on the road in domestic play, which could pose a challenge as they visit Twente.

Team News

Baroni is expected to make further rotations for their Europa League encounter against Twente, continuing his strategy of lineup adjustments throughout the competition. This approach has worked so far, as Lazio have secured two convincing wins, keeping them top of the table.

However, the Lazio boss will have to manage without Dutch forward Tijjani Noslin, who is serving a three-match ban from UEFA for violent conduct. In addition, Manuel Lazzari is battling a thigh issue and may not be fit for the trip to the Netherlands.

Up front, Taty Castellanos and Boulaye Dia, with two goals in the competition each, are both prime candidates to lead the attack at De Grolsch Veste.

Conclusion

Given Twente’s challenging fixture list and their solid, if unspectacular, start to the Europa League campaign, they might indeed be poised for a third consecutive draw. Twente have shown resilience in their opening two matches, and while Lazio’s free-scoring form, particularly in Europe, suggests a high-octane affair, the home side’s ability to grind out results shouldn’t be overlooked.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best odds: 2/3

Bookmaker: BetUS