Juventus Continue Stride Towards Title in Rome
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There are several games to enjoy in Serie A on Sunday but there is not doubt where the big game of the weekend is being played. The match between Lazio and Juventus at the Stadio Olimpico is the standout fixture and a huge game for both teams.
Lazio begin the weekend in 6th place in Serie A and a win could lift them into the final Champions League qualifying place. Juventus’ goal is the same as always, to maintain or extend their lead at the top of the table.
Lazio come into this match on the back of a 2-1 defeat at Napoli last weekend. Having fallen 2-0 behind in the first half, Lazio battled back in the second and got one goal but could not get themselves a point.
That was their first loss in their last five games and Lazio hope it will not see a return to the poor form which blighted them in November and December when they failed to win for seven matches in succession.
Trends show Lazio have been tough to beat on home soil and have lost only one of their last nine Serie A games at the Stadio Olimpico. During that run of nine games there have been wins over Frosinone, Genoa, Fiorentina, SPAL and Cagliari.
Lazio have had little trouble finding the back of the net in home matches but they have struggled to keep out the opposition. Trends show both teams have scored in nine of Lazio’s twelve most recent home games in Serie A.
Juventus continued their fine form on Monday night as they defeated Chievo Verona 3-0 at home to open a 9 point lead over second place Napoli. The hosts could even afford a missed Cristiano Ronaldo penalty as they eased to victory.
That result means Juventus have won each of their last four games in all competitions and have lost just two of their twenty-eight matches in all competitions this season. Both defeats came in the Champions League and Juventus are yet to lose a game in Serie A this season. The aim will surely be to go unbeaten throughout the 2018/19 campaign.
Looking back further and trends show Juventus have lost only one of their last forty-five Serie A matches, which is a phenomenal record. They have won eighteen of their last twenty-two on the road and have defeated Lazio in each of their last four visits to Rome, keeping a clean sheet in all four games.
Team news and Lazio have both Francesco Acerbi and Adam Marusic suspended plus Luiz Felipe and Bruno Jordao are doubtful with injury.
Juventus have a few injury problems of their own and Miralem Pjanic, Mehdi Benatia, Mario Mandzukic, Juan Cuadrado and Andrea Barzagli could all miss out.
This is regarded as one of the tougher away fixtures in Serie A for Juventus but they have a great recent record at Lazio. There is nothing to suggest that is going to change here and Juventus should come away with maximum points and possibly another clean sheet.
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