Best Odds: 8/11
Bookmaker:
Two sides who will be desperate to lay down an early Group E marker on Tuesday night, Lazio will welcome Atletico Madrid to the Stadio Olimpico.
Lazio
Starting with the hosts, while Lazio might have gained a string of plaudits last season as they claimed a silver medal finish among Italy’s elite, the Eagles have drastically failed to find a similar level this time around. Although Maurizio Sarri’s side might have entered September’s international break with a stellar 2-1 victory away at reigning Serie A champions Napoli, the former Chelsea boss saw his inconsistent squad put in another downbeat display over the weekend. Making an immediate return to losing ways as they eventually slumped a 3-1 drumming at the hands of Juventus, Lazio have now lost three of their opening four domestic appearances. Getting the 2023/24 campaign with a pair of shock defeats against Lecce and Genoa, Sarri’s men have also gained a reputation for their extended defensive issues. It is worth highlighting, Tuesday’s hosts have mustered just a pair of clean sheets from their previous nine Serie A showdowns.
Team News
With former Barcelona star Pedro overcoming a mild muscle injury during the international break, Lazio are reporting a clean bill of health ahead of Tuesday’s Group E opener. However, the 36-year-old will have to settle for a spot on Sarri’s bench here.
While attacking talisman Ciro Immobile might have notched just a single Serie A strike so far this season, the 33-year-old will spearhead the Eagles’ charge in midweek. One-time West Ham forward Felipe Anderson should also keep his spot in the final third.
Atletico Madrid
As for the visitors, while Atletico Madrid might have opened the 2023/24 campaign with a real flurry, Diego Simeone’s men certainly came crashing back down to earth over the weekend. Missing out on what they had billed as a real opportunity to lay down another domestic marker, the former Spanish champions were eventually hit with a 3-0 drumming at the hands of Valencia. Seeking an immediate boost when they travel to the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday night, Atletico are also still trying to find some crucial stability on the road. Despite laying down a major marker prior to September’s international break as they breezed their way to a 7-0 romp against Rayo Vallecano, that is the only win that Simeone’s men have mustered from their previous six La Liga showdowns outside of the capital a run that stems back to April 30th.
Team News
Missing out over the weekend after sustaining a muscle injury, Atletico Madrid will once again be unable to call upon Dutch international Memphis Depay on Tuesday night. Likewise, Simeone’s men are also sweating over the fitness of Argentina international Rodrigo de Paul.
However, returning to Atletico’s matchday squad and making a second-half cameo appearance against Valencia a few days ago, 28-year-old Jose Maria Gimenez could make a first start of the season here.
Key Factors to Consider
