In one of the most anticipated fixtures of Europa League matchday four Lazio host Porto in Rome. Lazio sit atop the 36 team standings with three wins from three games while Porto arrive in top form after a slow start to their European campaign.
Lazio come into this match on a high having defeated Cagliari 2-1 on Monday to move into fifth in Serie A being their fourth win in a row, scoring 12 goals in those four games. Their Europa League performances have been dominant as well holding a perfect record alongside Tottenham and Anderlecht with an impressive goal difference of +8. They are also unbeaten in their last 13 games at the Stadio Olimpico. Lazio are showing their strength this season as recent Europa campaigns have seen them fall short in the early stages, leaving in the round of 16 for three years in a row. Now Lazio’s new found confidence may see them grab a fourth win of this campaign.
Meanwhile Porto are on a six game winning streak boasting 17 goals scored without conceding. Despite a shaky start with losses to Sporting Lisbon and Bodo/Glimt, Porto have rebounded and are currently 16th in the Europa League standings. Their recent 3-1 victory over Hoffenheim saw forward Samu Omorodion continue his scoring form and he is now leading the Europa League goal charts. Porto also bring historical confidence having never lost to Lazio in four previous meetings. Being second in the Liga Portugal only three points behind Sporting, Porto will now look to find the same success in the Europa League.
Lazio captain Mattia Zaccagni who scored the winner against Cagliari is expected to start with Nuno Tavares available after suspension. Defender Manuel Lazzari may also feature following his recent return to the lineup. However forward Tijjani Noslin remains suspended due to a matchday one red card.
For Porto defender Zaidu Sanusi is still recovering from an ACL injury and Ivan Marcano and left back Wendell are also unavailable. Galeno after a two goal performance against Estoril is likely to start in attack for Porto.
Lazio possible Lineup: Mandas; Lazzari, Gila, Romagnoli, Nuno Tavares; Vecino, Dele-Bashiru; Pedro, Dia, Zaccagni; Castellanos
Porto possible Lineup: Diogo Costa; Martim Fernandes, Perez, Tiago Djalo, Moura; Varela, Nico, Ivan Jaime; Pepe, Samu, Galeno
