Lazio take on Venezia at the Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo in Matchday 19 of the 2021/22 Serie A.
Venezia
Venezia have a record of 4W-5D-9L (17 points) and sit in 16th place in Serie A.
In their recent league match against Sampdoria, the Arancioneroverdi tied 1-1. Manolo Gabbiadini scored in the first minute after some beautiful passing from the Blucerchiati to gain an early lead. It was a feisty affair as both sides created numerous chances; Thomas Henry levelled the score in the 87th minute on a brilliant solo effort. The forward delivered a beautiful shot from outside the box to beat Sampdoria goalkeeper Emil Audero and earned a pivotal point for Venezia.
Paolo Zanetti will be without David Okereke while Ridgeciano Haps is questionable as he is dealing with a muscle injury. In addition, Mattia Caldara, Mattia Aramu and Daan Heymans are all at risk of a one-game suspension if they pick up a yellow card in this fixture.
Expected Starting Lineup
Venezia’s Probable Starting Lineup for Serie A Clash vs Lazio
Player to Watch
Thomas Henry, who joined Venezia this past summer, will lead the lines against Lazio. The French striker has been impactful in recent times for the Winged Lions. In seventeen Serie A matches this season, Henry has three goals and contributed three assists; he has scored two goals and provided one assist in the past three matches. One of Venezia’s most effective players this season, the striker will aim to continue his strong form against Lazio.
Lazio
Lazio have a record of 8W-4D-6L (28 points) and sit in 8th place in the top flight of Italian football.
In their recent league match against Genoa, Lazio earned three vital points as Pedro, Francesco Acerbi and Mattia Zaccagni each scored for Lazio. Luis Alberto put in a strong performance in the second half after coming on in the 63rd minute for Toma Basic. The Spaniard assisted on Lazio’s second and third goals to lead Lazio to victory. He was clinical and decisive in his passing as he was influential in their attack.
The past few weeks have been difficult for Lazio due to the condensed schedule between the Serie A and UEFA Europa League. This is their final match before the break and they will need to make do without Ciro Immobile for a second consecutive fixture. He is the only player expected to be out for Lazio due to testing positive for COVID-19. Danilo Cataldi is at risk of a one-game suspension as he is currently on four yellow cards.
Expected Starting Lineup
Lazio’s Probable Starting Lineup vs Venezia: Felipe Anderson False Nine, Luis Alberto In
Player To Watch
After a slow start to the season, Zaccagni has started to settle in under Lazio manager Maurizio Sarri. The forward has scored in two straight Serie A matches and has been influential in their attack. He has shown good pace, created numerous chances and been clinical. Zaccagni will look to add to this tally and continue his strong form versus Venezia.
Match Prediction
Venezia are unbeaten in their past five home matches in Serie A versus Lazio with three wins and two draws. In addition, they have kept a clean sheet in three straight home matches, while Lazio have struggled as the visitor this season, as they have only picked up eight points from their nine matches away from the Stadio Olimpico. This will be a difficult encounter for Sarri’s men before the Christmas break, especially considering the absence of Immobile. Anderson is expected to start once again as a false nine and will be heavily relied upon in the Italian striker’s absence.
