Lazio V Rennes
Thursday 3 October 2019 – 20:00 Kick-Off
UEFA Europa League
Pick: Lazio -1.25 Asian Handicap
Odds: 13/10
Bookmaker: Unibet
 |
1 | X | 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2 | 69/20 | 57/10 |
* (All betting odds displayed were correct as of 1 October 2019 at 17:10)
Preview: Neither would make a winning start in Group E, with Lazio falling to a shock defeat away to CFR Cluj and Rennes being held to a score draw at home by Celtic. Therefore, both teams will be on a mission to bolster underwhelming point tallies at this stage. So, which side will prosper inside the iconic Stadio Olimpico in Rome, Italy.
UEFA Europa League Betting – 22Bet
Lazio Preview – Le Aquile to prove too strong in Italy?
Eliminated from this competition in 2018/19 at the Round of 32 stage, Lazio have work to do if they are to make it as far this season following a slightly unfortunate defeat in Romania to CFR Cluj in their opening group game. The Italians created enough in that contest to deserve at least a point (xG: CLU 2.29 – 2.16 LAZ) but conceding too many chances will leave even the best sides susceptible to the possibility of losing. A big response is needed.
Le Aquile will, however, be confident in their ability to make up lost ground in this group now back on home soil, where their form at the Stadio Olimpico has been very strong so far this season. Sunday’s 4-0 rout of Genoa was their second win in succession at home (W2 D1), having also put Parma (2-0) to the sword. Only fierce rivals Roma have prevented them from winning on their own patch. It is this form which has guided them back into the European places in Serie A (6th – W3 D1 L2, GF11 GA4).
That defeat to CFR Cluj, coupled with the fact there is no travelling required, should also ensure Lazio coach Simone Inzaghi opts for a strong starting XI for this game. Striker Ciro Immobile has two in as many home appearances, and five for the season in all competitions. Should the Italian striker start then he would pose their best route to goal at 11/10 with PaddyPower to score anytime in proceedings and 10/3 to open the scoring.
Rennes Preview – Can Ligue 1 side turn round dismal recent form?
Good enough to progress into the Round of 16 last season before falling to the eventual runners-up, Arsenal. A repeat performance could be asking a lot from a team whose performances in the early stages of the current campaign have been incredibly poor, with one of those coming in their opening game of the group. A 1-1 draw at home to Celtic would have been a disappointing outcome from their perspective, though they could have few complaints after what was a very even contest (xG: REN 1.21 – 1.19 CEL).
That draw with Celtic comes amidst a seriously poor spell of form for the club. It is now no win in their last six competitive fixtures (D4 L2). Which is some return to reality having initially begun the season in blistering form with three consecutive league victories, including inflicting the only defeat PSG have suffered so far in 2019/20. Just three goals were scored during this barren spell, however, with a 2-0 win away to Strasbourg on 25 August the last occasion Julien Stephan’s men would score more than once in any game.
On the road, meanwhile, it is three games without a win (D2 L1). A 1-1 draw at Marseille on Sunday did at least halt one rut. Failing to score away to Brest (0-0) and Nantes (1-0), they would finally notch at the Stade Velodrome – though the fact it was an own goal is hardly reassuring. Meanwhile in last season’s group stage, the club would succumb to a couple of away defeats (W1 L2), losing at Astana (2-0) and Dynamo Kiev (3-1) but beating Jablonec (1-0) in Czech Republic.
Lazio V Rennes Key Facts:
- Lazio are unbeaten at home this season (W2 D1), and need to respond positively to losing 2-1 on Matchday One away to CFR Cluj.
- Rennes have failed to win their previous six matches in all competitions (D4 L2) and were held at home by Celtic (1-1) on Matchday One.
- Lazio have won their past two home games without conceding, meanwhile Rennes have scored just one goal in their previous three away fixtures combined.
Betting Summary
Lazio have produced some impressive early displays at home and remain unbeaten in said fixtures thus far (W2 D1). That compares favourably to three defeats in four on their travels. Falling into the latter category was a shock 2-1 loss to CFR Cluj on Matchday One. Le Aquile are back on hosting duties here, which is very positive and should mean we are safe in assuming another big effort is forthcoming.
There is only one direction Rennes are heading at the moment, which is down. Drawing at home with Celtic on Matchday One was disappointing but not entirely surprising, with their dismal form – no win in six now (D4 L2) – certainly cause for concern but expected, based on some poor early performances. Scoring one goal in their previous three away matches combined would also suggest a long night in the Italian capital could await.
Lazio arrive with two straight home wins, both without conceding, whereas Rennes are badly out of form in terms of results and have really struggled in attack. Ominous stuff. Provided Simone Inzaghi goes strong with his starting personnel, the Italians should be a couple goals too good for their uninspiring visitors. A Lazio Win To Nil is 8/5 with Unibet.
