Prediction: Lazio vs Porto

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Hoping to extend on their sensational Europa League charge on Thursday night, Lazio will welcome Porto to the Stadio Olimpico.

Lazio

Starting with the hosts, while Lazio might have marked their return from October’s international break with a 1-0 loss at the hands of domestic rivals Juventus, the Eagles have come roaring back in some style. Last seen earlier in the week collecting a 2-1 victory at home against Cagliari, Marco Baroni’s men should find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Signing off October with a stellar 5-1 romp against Como, the former Verona boss has seen his squad gain a string of plaudits. Looking to lay down another marker on Thursday night, Lazio will also be excited by their sensational Europa League flurry. Storming their way to a stellar 4-1 victory against French outfit Nice on October 3rd, Baroni’s side are one of just three clubs that can boast a 100% start to their European adventure. In fact, the Eagles have won each of their opening three Europa League battles by an aggregate score of 9-1.

Team News

While Nuno Tavares might have been forced to miss out against Cagliari on Monday night, the Arsenal loanee will make a full return here. Heading into Thursday’s showdown at the Stadio Olimpico, Lazio have reported a clean bill of health and have no fresh injury concerns.

Recording five goals in his previous seven appearances across all competitions and enjoying what has been a real flurry on either side of October’s international break, ex-Barcelona superstar Pedro should feature in Baroni’s starting XI. Former Arsenal star Matteo Guendouzi will start in the middle of the park and could be partnered with Matias Vecino.

Porto

As for the visitors, although Porto might have a real battle on their hands in the race to dethrone Sporting Lisbon this season, the Portuguese giants are in the midst of a real purple patch. Last seen over the weekend keeping their momentum at a red-hot high as they cruised their way to a 4-0 romp against Estoril, Vitro Bruno’s men should be relishing a trip to the Stadio Olimpico on Thursday night. Despite getting their European adventure underway with a 3-2 loss away at Bodo/Glimt on September 25th, the Dragons have come roaring back. In fact, putting a maiden Europa League victory on the board last month as they clinched a 2-0 win against German outfit Hoffenheim, Porto have now won each of their previous six appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 18-1. Finding a real clinical edge in the final third, Thursday’s guests should be confident about asking some real questions.

Team News

Yet to make a single appearance this season, veteran defender Ivan Marcano remains on the sidelines and will not feature here. Likewise, ex-Bayer Leverkusen star Wendell remains a major doubt on Thursday night.

Continuing on what has been a sensational romp since arriving from Atletico Madrid over the summer and notching four goals in his first three Europa League appearances, Samu Omorodion will play a leading role in the final third. Returning on a season-long loan switch from Arsenal, Fabio Vieira will join Omorodion in the final third.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Lazio and Porto last met in Europa League action back in February 2022, the Dragons booked a quarter-final spot thanks to a frantic 4-3 aggregate win.
• Lazio are one of just three sides who can boast a 100% start from their first three Europa League appearances so far this season.
• Porto have won each of their last six consecutive appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 18-1.
• Samu Omorodion has recorded four goals in his first three Europa League appearances.
• Three of the four historic showdowns between Lazio and Porto have finished with both teams finding the net.

Conclusion

Enjoying what has become a sensational Europa League flurry and winning each of their first three appearances by an aggregate score of 9-1, Lazio will be looking to make another European statement here. However, falling to an action-packed 4-3 aggregate defeat when they last met Porto back in February 2022, the Dragons will certainly prove to be a real test on Thursday night. It should be noted, with three of the four historic showdowns between Lazio and Porto finishing with both teams finding the net, we are expecting another enjoyable battle in midweek.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Olympusbet