Lazio vs Chievo

February 5, 2011
By: Nemanja Lazarevic

Lazio proved their title credentials by sharing spoils with Milan at San Siro, with the Biancocelesti now looking to put extra pressure on the leaders by beating Chievo. The Flying Donkeys, on the other hand, hope to produce another upset after beating Napoli, although their four-match unbeaten run will be at a real test at Olimpico.

Lazio still holding on

Not to many experts had tipped Lazio to even join the top 4 race, let alone fight for the title, but the Biancocelesti quickly showed they have what it takes to match the best Serie A sides. Edy Reja’s side stayed within a touching distance of leaders Milan after sharing spoils with the Rossoneri in midweek and they are now expected to build on that result and continue the great home run against Chievo. Their recent home defeat to Lecce was clearly a one-off result, as shown by victories over Inter, Udinese, Sampdoria and Fiorentina, so everything suggests the Biancocelesti should have no problems ending Chievo’s good run of results. Boss Edy Reja has found a great balance between attack and defence, and that is one of the things keeping Lazio very close to the top of the standings.

Mauro Zarate returns from a two-match ban and he will form attacking partnership with impressive Libor Kozak, but Sergio Floccari, Tommaso Rocchi, Mourad Meghni, Javier Garrido, Mobido Diakite and Simone Del Nero remain sidelined.

Are Flying Donkeys set to be grounded?

Chievo started this season with three wins in first four league games, thus showing they could be in for another calm season without survival worries, but everything changed when the Flying Donkeys embarked on a nine-match winless run that threatened to ruin their season. Nonetheless, back to back draws against Catania and Genoa hinted the team could soon return to the right track and these were only a sign of things to come, seeing that Stefano Pioli’s side returned to the top part of the table by beating Brescia and Napoli. The team are now unbeaten in last five league games and full of confidence, but if there is a team that can end their good run of results it is Lazio.

New signing from Livorno, Nicola Pulzetti could start, but Marco Andreolli remains a doubt with a head injury. Michele Marcolini and Luciano are out with injuries.

Verdict

Lazio have been in remarkable form this season and after beating virtually all top table sides at home they have got to be considered hot favourites against Chievo. The Flying Donkeys has recently shown some improvement, but their away record cannot give them reason to hope for a good result at Olimpico.

Our prediction: Home win

Odds: 1.80 (4/5)

Bookmaker: William Hill

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