Prediction: Sampdoria vs Lazio

Verdict: Over 3,5 goals – yes

Best Odds: 8/5

Bookmaker: 888sport

Sampdoria and Lazio have been two of the most surprising teams in the Serie A this season. Both clubs are on the verge of a potential UEFA Champions League berth, and they will clash this Sunday in what will be a great match. The ball will start rolling at 19:45 BST at Luigi Ferraris Stadium, and Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni will be the referee.

Sampdoria

Sampdoria are following Atalanta’s path last season, and they have turned heads with their play during the current campaign. Through 15 games across all competitions, Samp have 10 wins, two draws, and just three losses. They currently rank sixth in the Serie A standings with 26 points, and are three points behind Lazio so a win in this game seems imperative for them to get closer to what would be an impressive Top Four finish. But even if they don’t accomplish that feat, there is no doubt Sampdoria have been an impressive side so far. They have a 100% record at home with six wins in equal number of matches, and their last home game resulted in a 3-2 win against Juventus. Sampdoria also have registered wins against the likes of AC Milan, Atalanta and Sampdoria during the current term. It is clear they are certainly trending in the right direction, and have all the right tools to remain as a top team in the league for the foreseeable future.

Team News

Sampdoria will have an important absence on the defensive end, as Ivan Strinic has been ruled out with a thigh injury.

Midfielder Karol Linetty is doubtful with a thigh problem of his own. He will be a game-time decision.

Lazio

Lazio has not surprised on the same level as Sampdoria, but they have also been one of the best teams in the Serie A this season. They currently sit in fifth place in the Serie A standings with 29 points, and are just five points behind a UEFA Champions League berth. The team has performed above the pre-season expectations, and their road form has been impressive with six wins in seven matches, scoring at least two goals in six of those seven contests. One of the main reasons why Lazio have been so good is their attacking power, since they have scored 33 goals in 13 games. Ciro Immobile is the top scorer in the Serie A this season with 15 goals and six assists to his name. They seem to be a step below teams such as Juventus, Napoli and Inter Milan, but are on the right track and have proven they can compete with any team in the league. The talent is certainly there.

Team News

Unfortunately, Lazio will be quite shorthanded on the attacking. Nani and Felipe Anderson are out due to injury, while Federico Marchetti will remain suspended until next year.

Davide Di Gennaro is dealing with a muscular strain. He will be a game-time decision, although his chances of playing are not very high.

Key Factors to Consider

• Sampdoria have an impressive home record, as they have won their six home contests during the current campaign. They are the only Serie A side with a perfect record at home.
• Aside from their 100% record, Sampdoria have also scored regularly at home since they average 3.17 goals per contest at Luigi Ferraris Stadium.
• Lazio have been quite successful against Sampdoria of late. They register a W8, D2, L1 mark in the last 11 meetings between both clubs.
• Simone Inzaghi’s men have a great record on the road, since they have come out on top in six of the last seven matches away from Stadio Olimpico.
• Goals are practically assured when these two sides meet. The last time they played to a goalless draw happened in 2007.

Conclusion

Sampdoria have seen at least 2,5 goals in four of their last five matches. On the other hand, Lazio have seen at least two goals in four of their last five. Considering their scoring tendencies, it’s easy to imagine over 3,5 goals in this game.

Verdict: Over 3,5 goals – yes

Best Odds: 8/5

Bookmaker: 888sport