Benson Chikezie is a Nigerian-based writer with many years of experience in the sports betting industry. He is a digital marketer by profession. Benson has written many sports related contents for various websites.
Lazio and Porto will lock horns at the Stadio Olimpico for the 2nd leg of their Europa League Round of 16 tie. The match kicks off at 23:15 IST on the 24th of February, 2022, and promises to be a thrilling encounter like the first leg.
Porto came away with the win in Portugal, triumphing by 2 goals to 1 on the night, and will look to progress to the next round by at least avoiding defeat. Sarri’s Lazio will also fancy their chances of getting a comeback victory. With a lot at stake in this fixture, we expect an open game with attacking intent on display for both sides.
Here is the latest on the form and team news for both sides:
Lazio failed to bounce back from the defeat in Porto, as they were only able to manage a 1-1 draw at Udinese on Sunday. They have had mixed results of late, recording 2 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw in their last 5 matches across all competitions. Lazio occupy the final European spot in Serie A, with 43 points from 26 games this season.
In Europe, 2 wins, 3 draws, and 1 loss meant that Lazio finished in 2nd place behind Galatasaray, setting them up to face Porto. Captain Ciro Immobile remains their top scorer in Europe with 3 goals.
For their team news, Lazio will be without Ciro Immobile, Manuel Lazzari, Francesco Ascerbi, and Pedro, who picked up knocks recently and are currently sidelined.
Portuguese league leaders Porto continued their impressive run of fine form as they won away to Moreirense in the Primeira Liga. That victory helped them maintain their 6-point lead at the top of the league table and fill the atmosphere with positivity ahead of their trip to Rome.
Porto are yet to lose in the league this season with 20 wins, and 3 draws in 23 games. In Europe, they responded to their early Champions League exit with a home win over Lazio and currently have one foot in the quarterfinals.
For their team news, Porto do not have any player on the sidelines presently and will travel with the whole squad to Rome.
Sportsbooks place Lazio as favorites to win this fixture. On Paripesa, Lazio to win is placed at 2.352 odds, a draw is placed at 3.6 odds, and a win for Porto is placed at 3.19 odds.
For the Parimatch sportsbook, the odds for a Lazio victory are 2.30, a draw is placed at 3.60, and Porto to win is at 3.20 odds. Lazio to win on the Sportsbet.io sportsbook is placed at 2.22, Porto to win is placed at 3.15 odds, and a draw is at 3.55 odds.
Lazio face an uphill task to come back from a goal down. They will most likely take the game to the visitors, who we expect to sit back and absorb the pressure and wait for quick breaks. Porto have the advantage and will be content with a draw, but the team that scores first will determine the game’s outlook.
If Lazio score first, Porto will hunt for that all-important equalizer. If Porto gets on the front foot first, Lazio will push more men forward, leaving them vulnerable at the back. Here are our tips for Lazio vs. Porto:
A draw will mean that Lazio will exit the tournament, and they will push to win this game in front of their home fans. If Porto get a goal first, Lazio will most likely throw caution to the wind to get an equalizer, as they will be under pressure to deliver.
The pressure is on both sides— Lazio to win and Porto to take this match beyond doubt in the early stages. Either team to win is available on the Melbet sportsbook at 1.336 odds.
Lazio will come flying out of the blocks early, and if they can keep the pressure on, the chances of them scoring in the first half are high. We expect multiple goals in this encounter, in both halves, too, just like the first leg.
The pressure is on both teams to win this time around, so chances will be far from few. Goal in both halves is available on the Paripesa sportsbook at 1.8 odds.
Porto seem to have the advantage in this tie after winning the first leg by 2 goals to 1. There are no certainties in football, so the game can go either way in a twinkling of an eye. The Stadio Olimpico is known for its incredible atmosphere, so we expect a lively football game.
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