The Daily Star Ireland
Lazio, one of the favorites in this season’s Europa League, has lived up to expectations so far. The team, led by Matteo Guendouzi, currently sits at the top of their group, two points ahead of second place. Lazio has secured impressive wins against Dynamo Kyiv (3-0), Nice (4-1), Twente (2-0), and Porto (2-1).
In Serie A, the team struggled at the beginning of the season but has gained momentum recently. After a narrow 1-0 loss to Juventus, they followed up with four consecutive victories over Genoa, Como, Cagliari, and Monza. They hoped to extend this winning streak to five against Bologna last weekend.
Ludogorets, on the other hand, has had a tough start in the Europa League, sitting at the bottom of their group with just one point. They managed a 0-0 draw with Plzen but lost to Slavia Prague (0-2), Anderlecht (2-0), and Bilbao (1-2). In Bulgaria, however, Ludogorets has dominated, winning the last 13 league titles. This season, they remain unbeaten after 14 matches, with 13 wins and 1 draw. They will face CSKA Sofia this coming weekend.
For Lazio, they will be without key players, including left-back Nuno Tavares and midfielder Mandragora due to injury. However, experienced winger Pedro, who has contributed 3 goals and 2 assists in the Europa League, continues to see regular playing time. Strikers Dia (4 goals, 2 assists in Serie A, 2 goals in Europa League) and Castellanos (5 goals in Serie A, 2 goals in Europa League) will also be available, as will the excellent Zaccagni (4 goals, 2 assists in Serie A).
For Ludogorets, they will miss veteran defender Nedyalkov and midfielder Piotrowski, both sidelined with injuries. Brazilian striker Caio Vidal is also suspended, though fellow Brazilian Pedro Naressi has returned after serving his suspension. Ludogorets has scored only once in this Europa League campaign, thanks to their top scorer Erick Marcus (4 goals in the league). Forward Rwan Seco (6 goals in the league) is the team’s key offensive player.
Prediction
Looking at the form of both teams, Ludogorets has struggled away from home in the Europa League, earning only one point from 17 possible and being outscored 12-3. Lazio, however, has been strong at home, winning 12 of their last 18 Serie A matches. As such, Lazio will be confident of securing a positive result against their out-of-form opponents.
Prediction: Lazio 1 – 1 Ludogorets.
