Two teams in scintillating Serie A form prepare to meet on Monday evening as Cagliari vs Lazio takes place at the Sardegna Arena in Sardinia. Both teams have been performing above expectations domestically this season and therefore this is a real six-pointer for the two sides involved.
Cagliari are currently 13 games unbeaten in Serie A, having last been defeated at the start of September against Inter Milan, where the Sardinian side fell to a 2-1 defeat. Impressive wins away against Atalanta and Napoli have made some of their tighter results seem beside the point. Last weekend, Cagliari drew 2-2 away against Sassuolo but have so far been the surprise performers in the league this season. Having won five of their last six home games and losing just twice on their own ground all season, Lazio should expect a sturdy and difficult test from a Cagliari side who will not want to roll over easy.
Despite crashing out of the Europa League during the week after a 2-0 away defeat to Ligue 1 side Rennes, Lazio have been in superb form in Serie A this season. The Biancocelesti secured an impressive 3-1 win against Juventus last weekend, extending their unbeaten run to 10 games. In fact, Simone Inzaghi’s side have now won their last seven games, including victories over the likes of AC Milan, Torino, Juventus and Fiorentina. With the team out of the Europa League, all focus is on the league now and whether or not the squad have the depth and motivation required to secure a place in the top four and, consequently, secure a spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League.
Cagliari vs Lazio: Expected Line-ups
Cagliari (4-3-1-2): Rafael; Cacciatore, Pisacane, Klavan, Pellegrini; Nandez, Cigarini, Ionita; Nainggolan; Joao Pedro, Simeone
Lazio (3-5-2): Strakosha; Luiz Felipe, Acerbi, Radu; Lazzari, Milinkovic-Savic, Lucas Leiva, Luis Alberto, Lulic; Correa, Immobile
Cagliari vs Lazio: Prediction
By all means this will be no cakewalk for Simone Inzaghi’s Lazio. Cagliari have been a tough opponent for many teams this season and should certainly not be underestimated. Lazio head into this game with a focus and desire to prove that their Europa League exit was not in vain and to repay Inzaghi’s trust in them over the past few months. Cagliari will not make it easy but it is hard to see Lazio come away from this game without a single point. Therefore, the most likely result is a draw, although Lazio may be able to secure a narrow victory.
Cagliari 2-2 Lazio
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