Lokomotiv vs Lazio: Last chance to clinch the play-offs

Lokomotiv have a hypothetical chance of qualifying from the group, but they have to draw three points against Lazio. Will Loko manage to get their first win of this European season, or is it all over?

Lokomotiv under Markus Gisdol is not impressive. After beating Nizhny Novgorod, they have failed to win any of their next three games. First, it was an away draw against Galatasaray (1-1). Then, the same result was in the match with Spartak, with Loko leading on the power play. After the national team games break, the Lokomotiv team lost at home to Akhmat (1-2), being left on the power play. It is unlikely that Tomas Zorn and Ralf Rangnick were expecting such a result.

Lazio are second in the group, with just one win in four rounds. Incidentally, the only win came against Loco. Therefore, the Biancocelesti are optimistic about heading to Moscow. And their only loss came at the hands of Galatasaray in Istanbul, 0-1, when they conceded an 11-meter goal.

The Roman club is in sixth place in Serie A, four points behind top-four side Atalanta. Their three-game winning streak came to an end last weekend in a 2-0 defeat at Juventus. Juve are now level on points with Maurizio Sarri’s side.

For three years in a row, Loko’s fate was decided in the fifth round. Given the lack of progress under new coach Markus Gisdol, we believe that Lazio will condemn Loko to yet another fly-out past the Euros. You can bet on a Lazio win for 1.80.

We also believe that few goals will be scored, as the Russian club is not impressive in their attacking play on the international stage. All the more reason for Maurizio Sarri to make do without Ciro Immobile again. Betway gives 1.83 for Total Under 2.5 goals.

In conclusion, we believe that Lazio will serve more corners than Loko primarily because of class differences. Winline gives odds of 1.75 for corner handicap 2 (-1.5).