Lazio enter the final group game needing a win against group leaders Sporting in order to qualify, but the Biancocelesti also need Zurich to get at least one point against Vaslui.

Sporting, on the other hand, have already secured the first place in the standings and coach Domingos Paciencia is likely to field a second string line-up.

Boosted by the plethora of summer arrivals, Lazio were always going to play an important part in both Serie A and Europa League, but Edy Reja’s side needed some time to hit the ground running.

Before that happened, the Biancocelesti had already made two slip ups in Europa League, having failed to beat Vaslui at home and lost in Lisbon, and those two results could end up costing them dearly now.

After also failing to beat the Romanian side away from home, Lazio are now tied on points with Vaslui, but if that remains the case after the final round, the Italians will be eliminated.

Edy Reja’s side not only need to beat Sporting, home win pays 1.62 (8/13) at William Hill, but they need Zurich not to lose in the other group game.

With Federico Marchetti and Alessandro Berardi both injured, Albano Bizarri is set to start between the sticks, but Dias, Mauri, Matuzalem and Brocchi remain sidelined.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-1-2): Bizarri – Konko, Biava, Diakite, Radu – Gonzalez, Ledesma, Lulic – Hernanes – Klose, Cisse.

After spending the last decade trailing behind fierce rivals Porto and Benfica, Sporting Lisbon entered the new season with a significantly reinforced squad, hinting that they were ready to upset the order in Portuguese Primeira Liga.

Despite the heavy summer recruitment, nobody expected the team to gel so quickly, but the Lions have been in impressive form from the very start to the season.

Domingos Paciencia’s team easily ensured progress from the tough Europa League group, while recording excellent results on domestic stage as well.

Considering that the first place in their Europa League group is already in the bag, coach Paciencia is likely to rest his key players for weekend’s game against Academica.

Jeffrem Suarez, Marat Izmailov, Alberto Rodriguez and Fabian Rinaudo remain sidelined, but Valeri Bojinov, Andre Santos and Bruno Pereirinha should start.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Patricio – Pereira, Onyewu, Polga, Insua – Santos, Carrico, Elias – Pereirinha, Bojinov, Arias.