Lazio v Porto – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Lazio hosts Porto in the Europa League on Thursday night. The hosts have lost just once in their last nine matches, while FC Porto comes into this game on a six-match winning streak. Notably, Porto has drawn with Lazio on both of their last two trips to Rome.

Lazio Form

Lazio currently sits fifth in Serie A, with seven wins from 11 matches. They have suffered only one defeat in their last nine games, a narrow 1-0 loss away to Juventus. They rebounded from that setback with a 2-0 victory over FC Twente in the Europa League, maintaining their perfect record in the competition this season.

Since their trip to the Netherlands, Lazio has won three more games, including a 3-0 home win over Genoa and a 5-1 victory at Como. In their latest match, they defeated Cagliari 2-1 at home, generating 20 shots and an impressive 2.91 xG in a dominant performance.

Lazio Team News

Coach Marco Baroni may opt to continue with a two-striker system featuring Boulaye Dia behind Valentin Castellanos. Pedro could also be recalled to play down the left wing.

Both Matias Vecino in midfield and Mattia Zaccagni in attack are options to freshen up the lineup. There are no injuries or suspensions to contend with for this match.

Lazio Motivation

The team selection will reveal how seriously Lazio is taking this match. A win would secure their place in the next round and maintain their momentum. Lazio is unlikely to settle for a draw at any stage.

Porto Form

Following two damaging defeats, Porto has won seven of their last eight matches. They lost 2-0 to Sporting (conceding 2.94 xG) and 3-2 away to Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League. After defeating a ten-man Arouca 4-0, they conceded late to draw 3-3 at home to Manchester United.

Porto has since put together six consecutive wins. This run includes a 2-0 home win over Hoffenheim in the Europa League and a 5-0 league victory over AVS. After a 2-0 Taca da Liga win against Moreirense, they defeated Estoril 4-0 at home on Sunday.

Porto Team News

Coach Vitor Bruno may consider recalling Wenderson Galeno after his two goals off the bench on Sunday. Arsenal loanee Fabio Vieira is fully fit but may be the one to drop out.

Center-back Ivan Marcano and left-back Wendell are ruled out. Zaidu Sanusi is also unavailable, so Francisco Moura is likely to cover the left-back position.

Porto Motivation

Porto is performing well this season, but they have only four points from three Europa League matches. This game is a must-not-lose situation for Porto; a draw would be an acceptable result to avoid complications in their bid to advance to the next stage.

Key Stats

Lazio has lost just one of their last nine matches.

Lazio has won all three of their Europa League matches this season.

Lazio’s Castellanos has scored seven goals this season.

Porto’s Omorodion has scored nine goals in his last ten matches.

Porto has won their last six matches.

Porto has only one win in three Europa League matches this season.

Verdict

This should be an exciting game with both sides in good form. Lazio is favored to win, and the goalscorer market could offer valuable betting opportunities.

Best Bet: Lazio win at 2.45
Value Bet: Lazio win and Over 2.5 goals at 4.25
Anytime Goalscorer Tips: Omorodion at 2.90 or Castellanos at 2.80