Lazio will be looking to make progress in the Europa Conference League as they host CFR Cluj in the first leg of the knockout playoff. Neither team has been at their best lately but Lazio will be relying on their solid home form to give them the edge.
Lazio dropped into the Conference League after a disappointing showing in the group stage of the Europa League. They claimed only two wins from their six matches and finished third in their group.
The Italian giants have blown hot and cold since the end of the Europa League group stage ended. They head into Thursday’s clash winless in their last four matches and were beaten 2-0 by Atalanta in Serie A last Saturday.
The good thing for Lazio is that they can rely on their home record as the result against Atalanta ended a run of five matches without defeat. Maurizio Sarri’s men had claimed three wins in that run, including an impressive 4-0 victory over Serie A champions AC Milan in the Coppa Italia.
CFR Cluj have not been at their best in the build-up to Thursday’s clash. Dan Petrescu’s men travel to the Italian capital off the back of two straight Liga 1 defeats, losing 1-0 at home to FSCB before falling 2-0 at Universitatea Craiova last Saturday.
As evidenced by the defeat to Craiova, CFR Cluj often find things difficult on their travels. Despite playing every stage of the Conference League, the Romanian side have won just once on the road in the competition and were beaten 3-0 by Sivasspor in their previous away fixture.
How the bookies view it
Lazio are considered overwhelming favourites among the bookies with a home win priced at 4/11 by bet365. A victory for CFR Cluj is valued at 17/2 by Coral while a draw is set at odds of 18/5 with Betfred.
Head to head
Lazio and CFR Cluj met during the group stage of the Europa League in 2019 with each team winning their home leg. The Serie A side claimed a 1-0 victory at the Stadio Olimpico.
Players to watch
Pedro impressed during the group stage of the Europa League. The forward could be worth keeping an eye on and is priced at 17/10 by Paddy Power to score anytime.
Lazio have kept clean sheets in three of their last six home matches and will be targeting a repeat on Thursday. Nicolo Casale and Alessio Romagnoli are likely to be the preferred choice in central defence and can lead the hosts to a clean sheet at 4/5 with bet365.
Anything else catch the eye?
Lazio have won to nil in three of their last six home matches and could be set for a similar outcome at 11/10 with Unibet. They are expected to be dominant on Thursday and could be backed in the -1 handicap market at 11/10 with Unibet.
The Italian side can also be backed to score in both halves at 5/4 with bet365.
This UEFA Europa League Conference match between Lazio and CFR Cluj will be played on and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Lazio vs CFR Cluj prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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