Preview: Lazio vs Roma
Written by Dare Solomon
The Rome derby presents two former Chelsea managers who are strong advocate of their football ideas.
While Roma surprisingly announced Jose Mourinho in the summer, Lazio out of the blues got the attention of football fans breaking the social media with the interesting manner they announced the coming of Maurizio Sarri.
The two coaches have hit the ground running but with Lazio’s defeat to AC Milan and Sarri’s return from suspension, the former Juventus manager needs to figure out how to get Lazio out of the dish.
For Roma, despite their 1-0 victory in the midweek, the shocking defeat to Verona earlier didn’t not only denied the Giallorossi of perfect record in all competition but also took away some hype from the team and the Derby della Capitale presents a perfect opportunity to earn it.
Lazio
Style of play
In the trio of Luis Alberto, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Lucas Leiva or Danilo Cataldi, coach Sarri has found his true ball playing midfielders who comfortably play the ball on the ground and continually look out for Filipe Anderson and Pedro with Ciro Immobile ready to dish.
Though the Biancocelesti have struggled to cope with set pace and counter attacks which has been the team’s challenge so far but Lazio attack is what any team would be worry about including Roma their city rival.
Recent form
After defeating Spezia 6-1, Lazio have failed to pick a win in their past 3 league games with the last two a draw each.
Player to watch
Pedro Rodriguez. Yes Pedro, truly the form and numbers of Immobile should make him the pick but Pedro’s move to Lazio was after after Mourinho told him he’s not in his plan and so will be show the Portuguese there more in him.
Injury update
Bobby Adekanye, Mattia Zaccagni
AS Roma
Style of play
Roma’s 1-0 over Udinese left the Giallorossi with a bitter sweet after Lorenzo Pellegrini was sent off. Coach Mourinho since the incident has been fighting to see the Italian’s card rescinded. His absence will see Roma likely make room for an extra body in midfield to obstruct the fluidity of the Sarriball
The Onus now lies on Tammy to work with the deep thereby dropping deep to get the half and score his half chances.
Recent form
With an averages of 3 goals per game, Roma have shown they are team with goals and this was seen even in their only defeat and point drop so far this season against Verona when they surprisingly lost 3-2.
Player to watch
Tammy Abraham’s aerial prowess will be a major tool for Roma and with the former Chelsea gradually delivering the goods Lazio defence will surely have their hands full.
Injury update
Leonardo Spinazzola is the only injury concern for I Giallorossi with Lorenzo Pellegrini suspended.
Head-To-Head
Both teams have met so far in 50 matches with Lazio winning 13 direct matches, Roma 24 matches and 13 matches ended in a draw.
Prediction
Lazio 2-2 AS Roma
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