Lazio take on Olympique de Marseille at the Stadio Olimpico in Matchday 3 of the 2021/22 UEFA Europa League Group Stage.
These two clubs have previously met on six occasions – in the 1999/00 edition of the Champions League, in the 2005/06 edition of the Intertoto Cup, and in the 2018/19 edition of the Europa League – with the Biancocelesti winning four times, Les Phocéens winning once, and one draw occurring.
As it stands in Group E following two rounds, Lazio sit in second place with three points (1W-0D-1L) while Marseille sit in third place with two points (0W-2D-0L).
Lazio
Lazio have a record of 4W-2D-2L (14 points) and sit in fifth place in Serie A after eight fixtures.
In their recent league match against Inter, they secured a 3-1 victory to return to winning ways following a surprising 3-0 loss to Bologna. The Biancocelesti played well in this clash against the reigning champions (and their former manager in Simone Inzaghi), showing signs of what their play can look like under Sarri. Despite falling behind early, they scored three unanswered goals in the second half through Ciro Immobile, Felipe Anderson and Sergej Milinkovic to walk away with three points.
All players will be available to Maurizio Sarri for this fixture.
Expected Starting Lineup
Player to Watch
Since returning to Rome this past summer, Felipe Anderson has been one of the standout performers under Sarri. The Brazilian winger has used his electrifying pace and dribbling to constantly be a threat in every match he has played in, scoring three goals and providing two assists in the process. While he is yet to get on the scoresheet in the Europa League, Marseille will have to keep a close eye on Felipe Anderson, who could prove to be a difference-maker.
Olympique de Marseille
Marseille have a record of 5W-2D-2L (17 points) and sit in third place in Ligue 1 after nine fixtures.
In their recent league match against FC Lorient, they secured a 4-1 victory to return to winning ways following back-to-back losses against RC Lens and Lille OSC. Les Phocéens fell behind early in this clash following a foul by Luan Peres inside the 18-yard box on Stéphane Diarra. Armand Laurienté would convert the penalty; however, Sampaoli’s men fought back, scoring four unanswered goals. Mattéo Guendouzi and Dimitri Payet were the stars of the comeback, with the midfielder scoring a brace and the attacker providing three assists.
All players will be available to Jorge Sampaoli for this fixture.
Expected Starting Lineup
Player to Watch
Despite being 34 years of age, Dimitri Payet continues to show his class. In seven matches in all competitions thus far, the Frenchman has scored five goals and provided four assists, proving that he can still find the back of the net and create chances for his teammates. While he failed to get his name on the scoresheet against Galatasaray in Matchday 2, Payet will be eager to make a difference in this match against Lazio, especially as he will likely be leading the lines.
Match Prediction
Lazio are drawless in their last 20 Europa League fixtures and will look to take climb the table using their home advantage. However, Marseille‘s last two matches in the competition have ended in draws; they will be hoping to transfer their domestic success to secure their first victory in this year’s competition and remain undefeated.
- Lazio 2-1 Marseille