Lokomotiv Moscow vs Lazio Predictions

• Lazio cruised past Lokomotiv on matchday 2, registering a 2-0 victory in Rome.
• Lokomotiv are winless in Group E of the Europa League, with 2 points from 4 matches.
• Lazio haven’t kept an away clean sheet in any competition this season.

Russian Trip Crucial for Lazio’s Qualification Hopes

Maurizio Sarri saw his side’s momentum checked by Juventus this weekend, who walked away from Stadio Olimpico with all three points, courtesy of two Leonardo Bonucci penalties. Lazio, who average almost 2 goals per game in Serie A, dearly missed their record goalscorer Ciro Immobile, who sustained a slight injury on international duty and remains doubtful.

Lazio need a victory in Russia after consecutive draws with Marseille allowed Galatasaray to take control of Europa League Group E. Sarri’s team, who should fancy their chances of a serious challenge for this trophy and have picked strong teams throughout the campaign, could qualify with a victory on Thursday. Any slip-up, however, would put them in a difficult position ahead of their final game.

Italians to Secure a Shot at Top Spot?

Lokomotiv still harbour slim hopes of qualification, though they will need two impressive results, and a couple of favours, to have any chance. They sit 4^th at the halfway point of the Russian Premier League, 4 points off a Champions League place after losing just twice all season.

If the Roman side continue to be without talisman Immobile, they will have their work cut out here; no other Lazio player has more than 4 goals in all competitions this season, and Lazio have yet to keep a single away clean sheet in league or European action this term. However, with Sarri eyeing a run at Champions League qualification via the league, the new Europa League format, which rewards group winners with a bye through the Round of 32, makes finishing top more important than ever.

I’m backing Lazio to continue Lokomotiv’s winless European campaign and set up a huge final day clash with group leaders Galatasaray. Considering Immobile’s absence and Lazio’s paucity on the road, I don’t see it being as comfortable as their 2-0 win in the reverse fixture; a 2-1 away victory seems a solid correct score prediction.