Lazio vs Sparta Prague
Lazio are the favorites to progress to the next round of the Europa League after recording a 1-1 draw away to Sparta Prague in the first leg of two in the round of 16. Lazio boss Stefano Pioli has however stressed to his players that the tie is not yet over and that they need to be well prepared for tonight. “Sparta Prague are a tough opponent. We have to put in an intelligent performance. We have to play a good game, both at a technical and at a tactical level” the Lazio coach told reporters. Pioli rested several players in Sunday’s 2-0 home win over Atalanta so most of tonight’s starting players will be rested and raring to go. The Europa League is now the main focus for the home side after a troublesome season and we believe they are just a little bit too strong for the visitors who need to go for at least a goal tonight.
Team news: Lazio will be without Dusan Bast, Stefan de Vrij and Stefan Radu.
Sparta Prague have a difficult task if they are to make it into the last eight of the competition. They have to score while also knowing they are yet to win on Italian soil after 11 tries. They last reached the quarter finals in this competition in the 1983-84 season (UEFA Cup back then) and we think they might have to wait at least one more season for that to happen again.
Team news: The away side have no fresh injuries but are still missing goalkeeper Marek Stech while Marek Matejovsky is a doubt.
Date & Time: 16 Mar 2016 – 19.00 CET
League: Europa League
Pick: Lazio Asian Hcp -0.5, -1
Highest Odds:
Stake: 15 EUR
Rating: 2/5
Result: 0-3, bet lost.