Lazio vs Juventus preview

April 14, 2013
By: Nemanja Lazarevic

Juventus vs LazioFollowing the 1-1 draw in Derby della Capitale, Lazio are getting ready for another high-profile match, with Serie A leaders Juventus arriving at Stadio Olimpico.

The Biancocelesti are hoping to close the gap behind their top 3 rivals, whereas the Old Lady aim to make another step closer towards the league title.

Despite being in the driving seat for the final Champions League berth for most of the current campaign, the third place is slowly slipping out of grasp for Lazio.

Vladimir Petkovic’s side are paying the price for the hectic schedule as well as the thin squad, with two wins in last eleven league matches simply not enough for a team with such big ambitions.

Lazio missed an excellent opportunity to triumph in Derby della Capitale, as Hernanes missed from the penalty spot when his side were already a goal in front, with Roma scoring from the spot to earn a 1-1 draw.

The Biancocelesti were then eliminated from Europe, losing 3-1 on aggregate to Fenerbahce, so they really cannot afford another setback.

This may be a long shot, but Lazio are 4.10 (31/10) at bet365 to defeat the Serie A leaders and improve their league position.

Miroslav Klose and Stefano Mauri return to the side, but Stefan Radu, Senad Lulic and Giuseppe Biava are all banned.

Bruno Pereirinha and Alvaro Gonzalez are doubtful, whilst Andre Dias, Abdoulay Konko and Cristian Brocchi are definitely out.

Probable starting line-up (4-1-4-1): Marchetti – Gonzalez, Cana, Ciani, Stankevicius – Ledesma – Candreva, Onazi, Hernanes, Ederson – Klose.

After the European heartbreak that was the 4-0 aggregate defeat to Bayern Munich, Juventus can finally turn their full attention towards the league campaign.

The Bianconeri already have the league title in the bag, being nine points clear at the top, but a lot can happen in seven matches, especially in a league as strong as Italian Serie A.

The most important thing now is for the players to restore the lost confidence following the double defeat to Bayern and not let the nine-point advantage slip.

Beating very good Lazio side will be no easy task, although Antonio Conte will be encouraged to see his opponents missing a number of important defenders.

Taking also into account that Juventus beat Bologna and Inter in their last two away fixtures, it is not surprising they are 2.05 (21/20) favourites with Coral to win this game.

Martin Caceres is back in contention, but Luca Marrone and Nicolas Anelka are injury doubts. Simone Pepe, Giorgio Chiellini, Sebastian Giovinco and Nicklas Bentdner remain sidelined.

Probable starting line-up (3-5-2): Buffon – Barzagli, Bonucci, Peluso – Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah – Vucinic, Matri.

Win Tickets to The CL Final at Wembley!

888 are giving you the chance to WIN tickets to the Champions League Final at Wembley!
You could win:
• 2 Tickets to Champions League Final, in London!
• 1 night accommodation in a 4* hotel in London!
• £400 spending money!

The 2nd and 3rd placed finishers will receive FREE BETS of £500 and £250 respectively.

In order to be eligible, you simply have to:
1. Register – to our 5 LIVE promotion before May 12th.
2. Bet – Place a multiple bet of at least £/€/$5.

We Highly Recommend These Places
Share your Opinion!