With Sporting Lisbon likely to ensure the first place in the group after this round, everything suggests that this clash will decide the second team that progress from this group. Both Valsui and Lazio need a win in order to edge closer to the next stage or else they will face an anxious wait in the final round of group games.

Vaslui struggling on domestic stage

After winning the Romanian league title, Vaslui entered the Champions League qualifying stages, but were quickly eliminated by Twente. They did manage to beat Sparta Prague to the place in Europa League group stages, but they haven’t shown much in the competition. The Romanians did bring one point from Olimpico, but Lazio were going through a transition period at the time, so they cannot be judged solely by that result. Vaslui then failed to beat Zurich at home and easily lost to Sporting in Lisbon, before taking advantage of Sporting’s light approach to beat the Portuguese in the return leg. The team thus returned to contention for the second place in the standings, but I still don’t think they have what it takes to make it to the next round. Vaslui currently occupy the 8th place in Romanian elite division, which proves that they are nothing more than an average Eastern European side.

Starting defenders Zhivko Milanov and Paul Papp are suspended, whereas key midfielder and top scorer Wesley is also banned.

Can Lazio win in Romania?

One of the reasons why Lazio have yet to ensure their place in the Europa League group stages is that Edy Reja mostly used the competition to rest his key players and give his fringe footballers some playing time. In spite of that, the Biancocelesti managed to take five points from first four games, but with qualification to the next stage in serious doubts, the boss has revealed that he plans to field his strongest side in Romania. That basically means that we will see a team that currently occupy 4th place in the Serie A standings, with star players Klose, Cisse and Hernanes all expected to feature. With Lazio looking to return to winning ways following the unlucky defeat to Juventus and all players very motivated to continue their European campaign, the Biancocelesti have got to be considered favourites in this clash. Lazio need a win in order to go through and a win they will get.

Lorik Cana is expected to replace Christian Ledesma in the starting line-up, whereas Gonzalez and Biava should come in for Brocchi and Dias, who are out injured.

Verdict

Vaslui did manage to bring one point from Olimpico, but Lazio were going through a very rough patch at the time and we should now see a completely different game. The Biancocelesti arrive to Romania with a full strength side and should have no problems recording a valuable win.

Our prediction: Away win

Odds: 2.15 (23/20)

Bookmaker: Stan James