Lazio vs Real Sociedad prediction: EUROPE: Europa League – League phase betting tips on match 2025-01-22 20:00.
[p]The Stadio Olimpico prepares for another evening of European action as Lazio host Real Sociedad on matchday seven of the UEFA Europa League (UEL). The hosts come into this clash in promising form across all competitions, having smashed Verona 3-0 last time out to see them cling onto a spot within the Serie A top-four. [/p]
[p]Their exploits in continental competition have been even better, as the Eagles sit top of the UEL standings with a near-perfect record so far (W5, D1). With their progression to at least the knockout play-off round already confirmed, they’ll now be eyeing up beating their 2017/18 record of seven wins in a single UEFA European competition, which they haven’t bettered since. [/p]
[p]They’ll likely get even more confidence if they know their visitors’ record against teams from Italy. Real Sociedad have never won away to a Serie A side before (D2, L3), whilst being winless in their last eight games against Italian sides at any venue. La Real arrive in Rome wounded by a 1-0 reverse to bottom-of-the-league Valencia, which their boss Imanol Alguacil admitted was “justified”. [/p]
[p]That defeat ended a three-game winning run, so Alguacil will be hoping for an immediate bounce back from his side who sit 12th heading into the matchday and three points above the immediate elimination zone. They’ll need travelling improvements to help secure their place however, having won just one of their last four away outings in this competition (D1, L2), including a 2-1 defeat to Viktoria Plzeň in their last such outing. [/p]
[p]Players to watch: With the most direct goal contributions in the UEL this season (G4, A3), Lazio veteran Pedro is in fine form – in only two previous European campaigns has he managed more than four goals. Real Sociedad’s Mikel Oyarzabal has five direct goal contributions in his last four outings (G2, A3) – as many as he managed in his previous nine appearances.[/p]
[p]Hot stat: Sociedad have conceded five goals in the opening or final 15 minutes across their last four UEL away matches.[/p]
[p][i]Written by Luke Bridle [/i][/p]