Salzburg vs Lazio: Predictions and Betting Preview

Salzburg vs Lazio
Europa League Quarterfinal Second Leg
Date: 12th April 2018, Thursday
Kick-off at 20:05 UK/ 21:05 CET
Venue: Red Bull Arena (Salzburg).

A thrilling 4-2 victory in the first leg put Lazio in an excellent stand to advance to the Europa League quarter finals. Having scored 2 goals, Salzburg represents ample threat and the Italians must not drop their guards in the travel to Austria on Thursday.

The full-time score at the Stadio Olimpico doesn’t truly represent what exactly went in the football field. But for sure, Lazio were smart enough to take their chances. Salzburg had better of the possession and created 15 chances, but only 4 tested the goal-keeper. Meantime, their defense took a beating as Partenopei created almost the same number of chances, but 4 got into the back of the net. It could have been more embarrassing for the visitors, if not for some neat work from the veteran goal-keeper Alexander Walke.

Salzburg were unbeaten in 19 games before the downfall in Rome, a streak started from the group phase of last season. They reached the quarter final for the first time this season by beating German giants Borussia Dortmund in the round of 16.

On the other hand, Lazio are one of the high scoring teams in the competition having netted 25 times in 11 matches. However, their defense had a fair bit of issues and conceded 12 in the process. So, they can be considered as a team capable of outscoring the opposition with little stability at the back.

Salzburg vs Lazio: Head-to-head

Salzburg had won the two only other meetings with Lazio, both by the 2-1 margin during the group stage of 2009/10 season of the same competition.

Now, we have two stats to match the team’s current trend. That is both teams to score and over 2.5 goals in the three meetings between them so far.

Salzburg’s overall record against Italian clubs is a humble 3 wins, 2 draws and 8 losses from 13 games. They had won only once at home in 5 attempts, drew 1 and lost the other 3. That lone home victory is against their Thursday’s visitors.

Lazio won 2 and lost 2 in their 4 previous visits to Austria. They are yet to draw a game home or away against an Austrian club, 4 wins and 3 draws from 7 overall.

Salzburg vs Lazio: Prediction

Lazio are a strong side on paper as compared to their hosts. Yet, I believe Salzburg have a few tricks up their sleeves and we are most likely to see a surprise result. Furthermore, Lazio’s defense is a weak link, already conceded 8 from the 5 away games so far. Salzburg have a capable attacking front and therefore the full-time score-line could go eitherways. That being said, I do not see this ending as a draw.

Salzburg vs Lazio: Team News & Predicted Line-ups

RB Salzburg

Reinhold Yabo is yet to recover from an illness that keep him in the sidelines since the end of March. The only other player missing is defensive midfielder Diadie Samassekou after picking up his fifth yellow card in the first leg tie.

RB Salzburg: Predicted Line-up

Walke – Ulmer, Caleta, Ramalho, Lainer – Schlager, Berisha, Haidara, Wolf – Gulbrandsen, Dabbur.

SS Lazio

Marco Parolo is short on fitness to start and he is the only injury concern for Maurizio Sarri as he prepares his team for the trip to Austria. He could be replaced by the experienced Lucas Leiva to dictate tempo in the middle of the park.

Other Changes are hardly expected to the eleven that started in the first leg at Rome.

Lazio: Predicted Line-up (3-5-2)

Strakosha – Radu, Felipe, Vriji – Lulic, Savic, Leiva, Alberto, Basta – Anderson, Immobile.