The game against reigning champions and Serie A leaders Juventus is a perfect opportunity for revived Lazio to prove their top 3 credentials.

Meanwhile, the Bianconeri go into the clash at Stadio Olimpico in confident mood having created a three-point cushion at the top of the standings.

It’s been a while since Lazio last challenged for Champions League positions and everybody at the club hopes this will be a breakthrough season for the Biancocelesti.

The Stadio Olimpico outfit have signed some high-quality footballers in the summer and following the slow start to the season they have shown a great deal of improvement.

Lazio won five of six league matches to climb to third in the league standings, although the unexpected loss to Empoli that ensued saw them slip to fifth.

And with third-placed Napoli just two points in front, the Biancocelesti will want to return to winning ways as quickly as possible, although odds of 4.00 (3/1) offered on home win are enough to suggest they will not have an easy task.

Coach Stefano Pioli should have Dusan Basta, Stefan Radu and Federico Marchetti back to the side, but Mikael Ciani has been ruled out and Edson Braafheid is doubtful.

Important midfielder Stefano Mauri will probably not be fit to start, while Santiago Gentiletti and Danilo Cataldi miss out through injury.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Marchetti – Basta, De Vrij, Cana, Radu – Parolo, Biglia, Onazi – Candreva, Djordjevic, Lulic.

It was never going to be easy for Max Allegri to take over from the impressive Antonio Conte, but the former AC Milan boss has done brilliantly to cope with the demands of his new job.

Just like his predecessor, Allegri has struggled to get the best out of his side in the Champions League, but the good news is the Bianconeri still have a good chance of qualifying for the knockout stages.

Meanwhile, Juventus continued to impress on domestic stage, winning nine of eleven fixtures to open up a three-point lead at the top.

The somewhat controversial 3-2 triumph over title rivals AS Roma acted as an additional confidence boost, although it is important to note the Old Lady only recently managed to end a four-match winless run on the road.

But, seeing as how they are still superior to their next opponents, you should know Juventus are 2.05 (21/20) to win at Stadio Olimpico.

Arturo Vidal returns from suspension, while Andrea Pirlo should be recalled to the starting line-up. Andrea Barzagli, Patrice Evra, Luca Marrone, Angelo Ogbonna and Martin Caceres remain sidelined.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-1-2): Buffon – Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Asamoah – Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio – Vidal – Tevez, Llorente.