Prediction: Lazio vs Roma

Verdict: Over 3,5 goals – yes

Best Odds: 9/5

Bookmaker: 888sport

The Derby della Capitale will have another chapter this Sunday, as Lazio will host their long-time, bitter rivals AS Roma at Stadio Olimpico on Sunday. Derby-related facts aside, this will be a huge game for both teams since both are gunning for a Champions League berth next season. Kick-off is scheduled at 19:45 BST time.

Lazio

Lazio are coming off one of their biggest disappointments in club’s history, as they were eliminated from the UEFA Europa League quarterfinals in dramatic fashion: they built a 4-2 lead in the first leg against RB Leipzig at home, but lost on Austrian soil 1-4 so they ended losing 5-6 on the aggregate score. The Italian side seemed set to reach the final four in the competition but failed miserably, and now they need to bounce back as soon as they can. But considering they have nothing but the Serie A to focus on, they have everything in their favour to finish the season strongly. Lazio currently sit in third place with 60 points, but they have a huge goal differential (+35) and are also riding a four-game undefeated streak. But knowing both Roma and Inter are breathing down their neck, Lazio need a good result in this game if they want to keep their Champions League dreams alive.

Team News

Lazio do not have any confirmed absentee ahead of this game.

However, Patric and Federico Marchetti are doubtful due to injury, though. Both are unlikely to play.

AS Roma

Few teams in the world should have their morale as high as AS Roma right now. Aside from the fact that they are very much alive in the race for a UEFA Champions League berth based on their Serie A play this season, their biggest story during the current term has been their play in the UCL. They reverted a 1-4 deficit against FC Barcelona and with a 3-0 win at Stadio Olimpico they managed to secure a berth in the tournament’s semifinals, where they will take on Liverpool as they continue their quest for their first-ever Champions League final appearance. But they can’t get too far ahead of themselves, and need to focus on this game as well. Roma currently sit fourth in the standings with 60 points, the same as Lazio (third) and Inter Milan (fifth). That alone shows just how important this game, as it can leave Roma in third or in fifth position depending on the outcome of this game, and Inter’s one.

Team News

Roma won’t have Rick Karsdorp due to a knee injury.

The right-back won’t be the only absentee, though. Diego Perotti is doubtful due to a calf problem, and he will be a game-time decision.

Key Factors to Consider

• There hasn’t been a draw between these two in eight games.
• Goal machine? 25 of Lazio’s 31 Serie A games this season have produced over 2.5 goals!
• This will be quite a duel when it comes to strikers: Ciro Immobile (27 goals) for Lazio, and Edin Dzeko (14 goals) for AS Roma.
• AS Roma have the edge on recent matches against Lazio, registering W3 D0 L2 in the past five meetings.
• The last three games between these two sides across all competitions have had over 2,5 goals in total.

Conclusion

Lazio have the best attack in the entire Serie A, while Roma have a talented attacking line and are coming off a huge 3-0 win over Barcelona.

This derby has all the makings for being a high-scoring one. Expect over 3,5 goals in this one.

Verdict: Over 3,5 goals – yes

Best Odds: 9/5

Bookmaker: 888sport