Sturm Graz vs Lazio prediction: EUROPE: Europa League – Group Stage betting tips on match 2022-10-05 16:45.
An impressive 3-0 win at Austria Wien on Sunday night rounded off consecutive league victories āto nilā for Sturm Graz, an ideal response to their heaviest European defeat having been humbled 6-0 by Feyenoord in their last UEFA Europa League (UEL) outing. Perhaps that heavy defeat was an anomaly though as it was Sturmās only loss across their previous eight competitive matches (W6, D1) and that form surely breeds confidence that they can continue their positive run against Lazio.
Sturm may have won only one of their last 12 UEL matches, but it did at least come in their first home outing in this competition last month when beating Midtjylland 1-0. The hosts are enjoying the comforts of the Merkur-Arena in Graz where they have lost in 90 minutes just once this term (90 mins: W6, D1, L1), and with six wins already they perhaps fancy their chances of ending the night top of Group F .
In similar fashion to their hosts, Lazio succumbed to an unpleasant defeat on UEL Matchday 2, slumping to a 5-1 loss against Midtjylland. However, Maurizio Sarriās men responded in fine fashion, racking up consecutive 4-0 league victories which now means Lazio have scored exactly four goals in three of their last five matches, including their opening UEL fixture victory against Feyenoord (4-2).
Lazio celebrated their first away victory this season with a 4-0 win against Cremonese in their last away outing (D2, L1), which they may find comforting as they have lost eight of their last ten UEL matches on their travels (W1, D1). Positively though, the only exceptions were made last term, but having conceded exactly twice in seven of those ten matches, itās clear Sarri must tighten up a leaking defence.
Players to watch: Mohammed Fuseini has scored twice after the 80th minute across Sturmās last two matches, whilst Ciro Immobile has already grabbed five competitive goals for Lazio this term, but he is yet to score in this UEL campaign. He did, however, net in both previous matches against Austrian opponents (Salzburg in 2017/18).
Hot stat: Five of Lazioās last six matches have seen 2+ goals scored before the break.