Preview: Lazio vs. Real Sociedad – prediction, team news, lineups

Their knockout spot confirmed with two rounds to go, Europa League managers Lazio welcome other top-eight candidates Real Sociedad to the Stadio Olimpico on Thursday.

Still unbeaten, the Biancocelesti summit the table on goal difference, while their Spanish counterparts are just one point away from the automatic qualification places.

Match preview

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Although Lazio’s 0-0 home draw with Ludogorets ended a 100% record in the league stage after four straight wins, the Rome club bounced back straight by beating Ajax last time out.

After signing their continental commitments for 2024 with an impressive 3-1 win in Amsterdam, they top the standings on 16 points, having been joined by Real Sociedad’s Basque rivals Athletic Bilbao.

The Biancocelesti are well on their way to automatic entry to the round of 16, and at least a place in the playoffs is already secured.

In addition to their European holdings, Marco Baronis men had been on the fringes of Scudetto contention until they went without a win in three consecutive league games for the first time this season – including a painful Derby della Capitale defeat to city rivals Roma.

Nevertheless early goals from Samuel Gigot and Boulaye Dia helped them take control of Sunday’s game against Series A fighting Hellas Verona, before captain Mattia Zaccagni sealed a 3-0 win over his old club.

Also leading up to the Coppa Italia quarter-finals, where they will face Inter Milan next month, the capital club can now complete Europa League progress with one round remaining.

But heading into a first-ever meeting with Real Sociedad, Lazio have won just one of their last 13 matches against Spanish sides in all competitions and lost six of the last seven.

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Similarly, La Real are winless in their last eight meetings with Serie A opponents and have never won a competition on Italian soil.

After last month’s Mikel Oyarzabal-led win over Dynamo Kyiv, with the Euro 2024 winner earning a brace, the San Sebastian club is 12th. Europa League table.

Three points ahead of elimination, but only one short of the all-important top eight, Imanol Alguacil‘s team have won eight of their last 14 matches in UEFA’s second tier competition – the last two by an aggregate score of 5-0.

Since the success against Dynamo, two Copa del Rey triumphs set up a quarter-final with Osasuna, but their La Liga campaign suffered a setback last weekend when they lost to bottom-placed Valencia.

The Basque side may have struggled for consistency in the league this season – leaving them in seventh place the positions – But conceding just five goals in 10 away games suggests they may prove difficult to beat at the Stadio Olimpico.

Lazio Europa League form:

Lazio form (all competitions):

Real Sociedad Europa League form:

Real Sociedad form (all competitions):

Team news

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Although defensive duo Patric and Manuel Lazzari is set to join the midfielder Matias Vecino on the sidelines again, Lazio can welcome back Loum Tchaouna from a game’s home game.

However, the French central defender Samuel Gigot is now suspended, so Alessio Romagnoli should partner Mario Gila at the heart of the hosts’ defence.

Recently returned from injury, Europa League specialist Pedro could also be promoted from the bench as the 37-year-old veteran has a competition-high six goal involvement so far this season.

Meanwhile, Real Sociedad will travel without a long absence Hamari Traoreand Arsen Zakharyan is a big doubt with an ankle problem.

Jon Aramburu is now available after serving a suspension, bolstering a squad that Imanol Alguacil said suffered fatigue after their league loss to Valencia.

After both began that game on the bench, paired up Take Kubo and Mikel Oyarzabal is fighting for a recall. Reportedly close to closing a summer exitSpanish international Martin Zubimendi should start in midfield.

Lazio possible starting line-up:
Mandas; Marusic, Romagnoli, Gila, Tavares; Rovella, Guendouzi; Isaksen, Dia, Pedro; Castellanos

Real Sociedad possible starting lineup:
Remiro; Munoz, Zubeldia, Aguerd, Aramburu; Mendez, Zubimendi, Olasagasti, Kubo; Becker, Oyarzabal

We say: Lazio 1-1 Real Sociedad

After their blistering run through November, Lazio have been a little more vulnerable since Inter suffered a six-goal thrashing in Serie A last month.

While the home side still pose a major threat, Real Sociedad should be able to score and perhaps claim a point.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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