Sampdoria desperately need to build on weekend’s 4-1 triumph over Udinese that ended a six-match winless run and try to further improve their European hopes with three points against Lazio. Meanwhile, the Biancocelesti aim to make amends for the home loss to Inter Milan and ensure they remain in Champions League positions.

Barren run finally over

Whatever happens in the final three fixtures of the season, Sampdoria chiefs will be quite happy with team’s achievements, although a European qualification would definitely provide a major boost for everybody at Marassi. The Blucerchiati have been exceeding expectations from the very start of the league campaign, but the latest poor run of results threatened to ruin all the hard work. Sampdoria largely struggled during a difficult fixture list, taking mere three points from six league matches before finally ending the dismal run with an impressive 4-1 away win over Udinese. The triumph ensured they remained just one point behind Europa League positions with three games to go, but Sinisa Mihajlovic’s men now also need to try and defeat Lazio with three more teams having their sights set on a fifth-place finish. The four goals scored at Friuli are enough to suggest the Blucerchiati have rediscovered their scoring touch, although it is important to note that all those goals were scored by midfield players. Meanwhile, the back line will be under pressure seeing as Lazio desperately need maximum points, so we could see a high-scoring match at Marassi.

The likes of Eder and Mesbah continue to miss out, but Lorenzo De Silvestri, Pedro Obiang and Alessio Romagnoli return from suspension.

Lazio remain in good position

It was the excellent run of results in the second part of the season that saw Lazio close the gap behind Champions League positions and later cemented a top 3 place, but the team did experience some problems after an eight-match winning run came to an end. Since the 2-0 loss to Juventus, the Biancocelesti could only hammer rock bottom Parma at Stadio Olimpico, while taking just two points from the remaining three matches. The good news is they are still three points clear of fourth-placed Napoli, but with Stefano Pioli’s side yet to face Sampdoria, Roma and Napoli, a top 3 finish may be in danger. Even if Lazio will also contest a Coppa Italia final against Juventus on Wednesday, they cannot exactly afford not to take the Sampdoria game seriously, meaning we can expect the boss to field his strongest line-up at Marassi. It is important to note that two red cards were the main reason why the Biancocelesti were beaten by Inter Milan and I do expect them to fare much better with eleven players on the pitch. Boasting a 7-5-5 away record, Lazio are one of the best travellers in the elite division.

Federico Marchetti and Maurico are banned, whereas Stefan de Vrij and Diego Novaretti are doubtful. Biglia, Ederson and Cana are definitely out.

Verdict

The match between two high-flying sides that are in desperate need of maximum points is likely to deliver premium excitement, despite the fact that there will be a lot at stake. I, therefore, expect to see a very open game and quite a few goals scored in Liguria.

Top pick: Over 2.5 goals   1.80 (4/5) @ Betfred

Alternative pick 1: Both teams to score   1.66 (2/3) @ Betfair

Alternative pick 2: Draw   3.20 (11/5) @ BetVictor