Lazio have been ruthless in the Europa League and deservedly occupy the top of the table. Ludogorets can still make it to the 1/16 finals but the only way to do it is by defeating Lazio.
Lazio are playing like a team that's capable of winning a treble this season. They sit one point below the leaders in Serie A and ride one of the most impressive winning streaks in the Top 5 leagues of Europe.
The Eagles lost one match since mid-October (Juventus 1-0) and have nine wins in their last 10 fixtures in all competitions. Their goal difference during this period is 24:6, which evidences how effective their attack is and how tight their defence is.
And at home, the team remains undefeated, with eight wins and one draw this season. What chances do Ludogorets have a decade after they took Lazio out in the same competition?
Interestingly, Ludogorets are also known as the Eagles, so we will try not to use the nickname below again. The Bulgarian side has dominated its domestic league for 11 years in a row, winning the title in each campaign.
They have been playing in Europe almost every season, including in the Champions League a while ago. It is surprising to see them struggle this much in the Europa League when they've passed the group stage multiple times.
Nonetheless, Ludogorets remain winless in the current campaign and need the three points from this match if they want to remain in the competition.
How the bookies view it: Overwhelming advantage for the Italian Eagles
Bookmakers can't imagine how Ludogorets could produce an upset this time. Lazio sit as a massive betting favourite and Betano gave them 1/5 to win on Thursday. Alternatively, you can pick the visitors at 12/1 or the draw at 26/5.
Recent head to head: Lazio have never beaten Ludogorets
This is a very interesting rivalry because the teams met a decade ago during Ludogoret's debut season in Europe. Back then, the Bulgarian side got demoted from the Champions League group stage into the Round of 32 in the Europa League.
Ludogorets happened to meet Lazio at this stage and took them out after two games. Ludogorets somehow won 0-1 in Rome and then somehow managed a 3-3 draw in the reverse fixture a week later.
Players to watch: The 37-year-old magician
Age is just a number for Pedro and the Barcelona legend continues to score goals against top European sides at 37. The winger has been particularly impressive in the Europa League, scoring three goals and adding two assists in four appearances this season.
Probable line-ups
Lazio: Mandas, Marusic, Gila, Gigot, Pellegrini, Vecino, Rovella; Tchaouna, Dele-Bashiru, Pedro, Dia
Ludogorets: Padt, Fonn Witry, Verdon, Almeida, Son, Rusev, Duarte, Pedrinho, Chochev, Marcus, Duah
Anything else catch the eye?
While Lazio conceded a goal during both home matches in the EL so far, we can't imagine how Ludogorets could score on Thursday. Lazio conceded to Porto and Nice, teams from the highest level in Europe. Ludogorets have barely scored one goal in four rounds and often failed to even create chances against lesser teams than the Eagles.
Overall, there are fewer options when we have a heavy favourite, so we back the BTTS-No option and hope that Marco Baroni comes out with a strong squad that won't leave any chances.
This UEFA Europa League match between Lazio and Ludogorets will be played on Nov 28, 2024 and kick off at 17:45. Check below for our tipsters best Lazio vs Ludogorets prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
