Even though the odds were stacked against them, we correctly predicted Lazio would claim maximum points at Stade Allianz Riviera, with the Biancocelesti making a giant step towards the first position in the group.

Nice still have a chance to return to the top of the standings, but their odds of winning at Stadio Olimpico are slim at best.

The Biancocelesti are clearly enjoying one of the best starts to a season in recent history, and the main challenge now is to continue the rich vein of form.

Even with Napoli, Inter and Juventus all pretty impressive in the opening exchanges, Lazio climbed to fourth in Serie A, and they are mere three points behind leaders Napoli.

The Biancocelesti managed to excel in Europa League despite the fact that they fielded weakened sides, and they are now on course to record fourth straight win in the competition.

Considering that they have won last eight games on all fronts, it is hardly surprising Lazio have been made 1.60 (3/5) favourites to defeat Nice.

Red-hot Sergej Milinkovic-Savic stole the show in the first match between the two sides, netting a brace after setting up Felipe Caicedo early on.

Davide Di Gennaro is the latest player to have been added to the injury list, with Felipe Anderson and Wallace also in the treatment room.

The good news is that Dusan Basta is back in contention, and he could start on the right hand side, while several key men will be rested.

Probable starting line-up (3-4-2-1): Strakosha – Bastos, Felipe, Radu – Basta, Murgia, Lucas Leiva, Parolo, Lukaku – Nani, Luis Alberto – Caicedo.

It is not so uncommon for a club to fail miserably after a highly successful season and Nice seem to be the perfect proof.

Les Aiglons have been utterly disappointing this term, slipping to 17th in the league standings, meaning they are now effectively involved in the relegation tussle.

Nice did a bit better in Europe, winning two of first three Europa League fixtures, but their place in the next stage is still not secured.

The return leg against Lazio comes at a bad time as les Aiglons have now lost five straight matches on all fronts.

Under-pressure boss Lucien Favre also has some selection problems to contend with as several important players continue to miss out.

Jean-Michael Seri, Wylan Cyprien, Marlon, Allan Saint-Maximin and Yoan Cardinale have all failed to make the trip to Roma due to injury.

Probable starting line-up (3-3-3-1): Benitez – Souquet, Dante, Le Marchand – Jallet, Mendy, Burner – Lusamba, Sneijder, Lees Melou – Balotelli.