Lazio’s six-match winning run may have come to an end, but the Biancocelesti can again put extra pressure on Serie A leaders Juventus with what would be their tenth home win in the league. Chievo, on the other hand, largely struggle on the travels, so it is fair to say they are not looking forward to the trip to Rome.

Solid on all fronts

Lazio have been slowly returning to old glory days over the last few years, and following the steady progress they have shown, the Biancocelesti can now again be considered one of the top sides in Serie A. Having entered the new season with virtually no investments in the playing squad, but with new boss Vladimir Petkovic, Lazio largely impressed in the first part of the season, playing some great football in all the competitions entered. While qualifying for Europa League knockout stages, the Biancocelesti made it to Coppa Italia semi-final, where they held Juventus to 1-1 draw in the first leg in Turin. That result should serve as an additional boost before the team resume their Serie A campaign and attempt to further close the five-point gap behind the Bianconeri. With Miroslav Klose back to the side and 9-1-1 home record to their name, Lazio look a good bet to see off struggling Chievo.

Miroslav Klose and Abdoulay Konko have both resumed full training, but Alvaro Gonzalez is doubtful through injury. Lorik Cana is suspended, while Ederson and Onazi are also unavailable.

Safely tucked away in mid table

Considering Serie A survival remains the main objective, we can say Chievo have done really well to get closer to their goal after 21 rounds. The Flying Donkeys already have 25 points to their name and being eight points clear of the bottom three, they look well positioned to escape the relegation tussle altogether. However, while playing really well at their Bentegodi, picking up 19 points from 11 games, Chievo have been absolutely wretched on the travels, having lost 8 of 10 away games. They may have beaten fellow strugglers Genoa and Cagliari on the road, but other away fixtures proved the Flying Donkeys don’t have what it takes to cause problems to top Italian sides away from home. With the team losing last two fixtures on the road to Torino and Bologna, conceding six goals and scoring none, they cannot really expect to fare any better against red-hot Lazio.

Sergio Pellissier is injury doubt, while Mamadou Samassa, Boukari Drame, Perparim Hetemaj and Luciano are all unavailable. First choice keeper Stefano Sorrentino has made a switch to Palermo.

Verdict

Lazio are clearly on top of their game at the moment and they should have no problems against out-of-sorts Chievo. The Flying Donkeys are not only utterly disappointing on the travels, but are also missing quite a few of first team regulars, so they should be happy if they manage to avoid a heavy defeat at Olimpico.

Top pick: Lazio to score two goals or more   1.80 (4/5) @ bet365

Alternative pick 1: Lazio/Lazio   2.40 (7/4) @ BetVictor

Alternative pick 2: Lazio to win to nil   2.50 (3/2) @ Paddy Power

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