Preview: Lazio vs. Udinese - prediction, team news, lineups

Either side has won four of their last five league games to sit on the shoulder of unbeaten leaders Napoli, and the hosts have not conceded a top-flight goal since early September.

Match preview

Two Europa League draws with Sturm Graz aside, Lazio have been relentless in their pursuit of more points over the past month, having won each of their last three league matches by the same 4-0 scoreline.

After dispatching Spezia and Cremonese either side of the international break, the Aquile continued their scintillating Serie A form last weekend, as they pulled apart an ambitious Fiorentina side at Stadio Artemio Franchi.

Maurizio Sarri's men raced into a two-goal lead before the half-hour mark, through strikes from Matias Vecino and Mattia Zaccagni, before Luis Alberto and captain Ciro Immobile both netted late on.

As a result, they can now win five league games without conceding a single goal for the first time in the club's long history, should they be able to overcome their visitors on Sunday.

After battling to a 2-2 draw with Sturm Graz in midweek, when Manuel Lazzari received his marching orders in first-half stoppage time, Lazio are far from certain of progress in Europe, as they remain one of four teams locked on the same number of points in a fascinatingly-poised Group F.

With continental concerns now on the back burner for the next fortnight, Sarri's side must tackle a tough pair of domestic fixtures, as next week's game against Atalanta follows Udinese's visit to the Olimpico.

In their most recent meeting with Lazio in the Italian capital, Udinese pulled off a dramatic comeback last December, as Tolgay Arslan's 99th-minute strike earned the Bianconeri a 4-4 draw.

That game took place when the Friuli club were struggling towards the bottom of the Serie A standings, but they arrive in Rome this time around level on points with their more illustrious opponents.

Indeed, only once before in club history have an Udinese side picked up 20 points from their first nine Serie A matches of a season - and not since 2008.

Following six successive victories - including wins over Roma and Inter - the Friulani were finally held by fellow form team Atalanta last week, as they fought back from two goals down to take a point via second-half goals from Gerard Deulofeu and Nehuen Perez.

All of which only served to build their tally of points gained from trailing situations this term - now standing at 13; the best such figure across Europe's top five leagues - which confirms their never-say-die approach under head coach Andrea Sottil.

However, they now encounter one of their toughest tests to date, and history certainly is not on their side when it comes to toppling Lazio: Udinese have won only one of their last 15 league meetings with Sunday's hosts, losing 10 times in the process.

Lazio Serie A form:

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L

W

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Lazio form (all competitions):

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W

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D

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Udinese Serie A form:

W

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D

Team News

Following his side's Europa League engagement on Thursday night, Maurizio Sarri is set to make some changes to the Lazio XI this weekend, with Alessio Romagnoli, Adam Marusic, and Felipe Anderson all expected to return.

Chief creator Sergej Milinkovic-Savic should join them, and since September, the Serbian has been involved in seven Serie A goals - three of his own and four assists. During that time, across Europe's top five leagues, only Manchester City's Erling Haaland has recorded more goal involvements.

Manuel Lazzari's upcoming ban only applies to continental competition, so the Italy international should continue at right-back; despite scoring in midweek, Pedro may find himself back on the bench.

Like Lazio, the visitors have an almost clean bill of health, with only long-term absentee Adam Masina definitely missing out. Rodrigo Becao is an injury doubt, though, so Enzo Ebosse may have to deputise in their back three once again.

Up front, Gerard Deulofeu has been involved in a goal in each of his last three appearances, having already registered six assists so far this season. Isaac Success and Beto again battle it out for selection alongside the Spanish star.

Lazio possible starting lineup:

Provedel; Lazzari, Patric, Romagnoli, Marusic; Milinkovic-Savic, Cataldi, Vecino; Anderson, Immobile, Zaccagni

Udinese possible starting lineup:

Silvestri; Perez, Bijol, Ebosse; Pereyra, Lovric, Walace, Makengo, Udogie; Deulofeu, Beto

We say: Lazio 2-1 Udinese

Lazio (21%) and Udinese (15%) are the two sides with the highest shot conversion rates in Serie A this season, and there is no reason not to expect more goals on Sunday afternoon.

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