Prediction: Lazio vs Roma

Verdict: Both teams to score – yes

Best Odds: 8/15

Bookmaker: WilliamHill

Sunday afternoon brings the great Derby della Capitale between fierce city rivals Lazio and Roma, who go head to head in a highly-anticipated top-of-the-table clash. Both sides have enjoyed a good spell of football lately and we are most definitely in for a firecracker of a game.

Lazio

Simeone Inzaghi is enjoying quite a successful spell at Lazio this season, leading them to a nine-match unbeaten streak which was recorded for the first time since 2013. The new boss gave much-needed freedom to his players, who are enjoying a fantastic spell in the Serie A at the moment. Lazio are currently occupying the fourth place in the standings, trailing their Sunday’s rivals by only one point and have a great opportunity to grab three points and get within the Champions League places. Having grabbed 28 points in total after 14 rounds of Italian football, Biancocelesti are enjoying their best start to the season in last 13 years and there is no doubt the players are keen to extend it even further. Forwards Felipe Anderson and Ciro Immobile have perhaps been the brightest sparks in Inzaghi’s team this season. The Brazilian has so far provided five assists to his teammates, whereas Immobile has finally managed to gain his footing after disappointing spells at Borussia Dortmund and Sevilla.

Team news

Luis Alberto will miss the derby due to a torn abductor muscle, whereas Stefan de Vrij is still unavailable with his metatarsal injury.

Key man Federico Marchetti is nearing full fitness following his calf injury, but is unlikely to be risked for the occasion.

Roma

Their 2-1 defeat at Atalanta was just a minor setback in otherwise quite a successful run, which saw Roma go unbeaten for 11 matches in all competitions. It is a fine stretch extending all the way to September, and Luciano Spalletti’s men will be keen to keep it going with three points from the Derby della Capitale. Giallorossi have been rather impressive of late, playing attractive football and scoring for fun. Roma have scored more than 3 goals per game in four of their last five matches and are likely to engage the superpower mode once again when they meet their fierce rivals Lazio. Creative displays and attractive showings have allowed Roma striker Edin Dzeko to shine and send a clear message to all of those who were quick to criticize him at the beginning of the season. The Bosnian international bagged 12 goals in 14 appearances and will once again lead the attack, hoping to add more goals to his impressive tally. Seeing that Juvnetus have stumbled last time out in the Serie A, Roma will be highly keen to beat Lazio and keep pace with the current champions on top of the table.

Team News

Alessandro Florenzi is suffering from a cruciate ligament injury, whereas Leandro Paredes is expected to miss out for the next couple of weeks due to a sprained ankle.

Mohamed salah picked up a knock during training this week and is likely to be a big miss for the visiting side in this match.

Key Aspects to Consider

• Roma are just one point ahead Lazio in the Serie A standings
• Sunday’s game is the 145^th match between two great rivals
• Edin Dzeko scored 12 goals in 14 Serie A appearances
• Ciro Immobile is back to business with 9 goals to his name
• Roma have won 4 of the last 6 Derby della Capitale matches

Conclusion

Both Lazio and Roma are enjoying great spell at the moment and are playing top-level football, which is joy to watch. Inzaghi and Spalletti are boasting attack-oriented teams with great individuals who are able to solve latches with a moment of brilliance and we are no doubt in for an exciting match.

Verdict: Both teams to score – yes

Best Odds: 8/15

Bookmaker: WilliamHill