Verdict: Both teams to score – No
Best Odds: 4/5
Bookmaker: Luckster
Looking to make it consecutive Serie A victories on Thursday night, Lazio will travel to Tuscany when they meet Pisa.
Pisa
Starting with the hosts, while Pisa might have sprung an almighty upset over the weekend as they snatched a 1-1 stalemate away at title contenders AC Milan, it is no secret that Alberto Gilardino’s men are pencilled in as a standout relegation contender this season. Despite only making their famous top-flight return this year, the have put just four points on the board from any of their first eight Serie A appearances and they are still waiting to claim a maiden top-flight win. Heading into October’s international break with a woeful 4-0 drumming at the hands of Bologna, Pisa have also shown some extended issues in the final third. Including a 1-0 loss against Roma on August 30th, Thursday’s hosts have failed to find the net in any of their first four showdowns in Tuscany.
Pisa Team News
Dealing with a recent knee injury since returning from October’s international break, Pisa will once again be without summer recruit Mateus Lusuardi on Thursday night. Likewise, former Feyenoord midfielder Calvin Stengs remains on the sidelines with a thigh issue.
Coming off the bench and opening his Serie A account at the San Siro last weekend, former Juventus ace Juan Cuadrado could be handed a full recall. Despite turning 40 last month, veteran defender Raul Albiol will start at the back here.
Lazio
As for the visitors, collecting what was a heavyweight scalp over the weekend as they secured a 1-0 victory against historic rivals Juventus, Lazio will be desperate to use that performance as a platform to build on. Despite signing off September with a stellar 3-0 romp away at Genoa, Maurizio Sarri’s men have struggled to find any kind of stability since opening up the new campaign. In fact, continuing on from last season, the former Chelsea boss has not seen his squad register consecutive Serie A victories since the start of February. However, desperate to find a route into the European spots here, Lazio should be excited by their recent defensive steel. Recording a clean sheet in three of their previous four domestic appearances, Sarri’s camp could be smelling a golden opportunity when they travel to Tuscany in midweek.
Lazio Team News
Dealing with what has become a stacked injury list, Lazio will once again be without the likes of Samuel Gigot, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Nico Rovella and former Arsenal defender Nuno Tavares here. Likewise, not featuring since returning from October’s fortnight interval, ex-Girona marksman Taty Castellanos remains a major doubt.
Bagging a famous winner against Juventus over the weekend, Croatian international Toma Basic will keep his spot in the middle of the park. Despite failing to find the net in all of his previous six consecutive Serie A appearances, Boulaye Dia will spearhead Sarri’s attack.
Pisa vs Lazio Key Factors to Consider
- When Lazio last travelled to Tuscany back in 1991, the Eagles collected a 1-0 victory.
- Thursday’s guests have recorded a clean sheet in three of their previous four Serie A appearances.
- However, continuing on from last season, Lazio have failed to register consecutive Serie A victories since the start of February.
- Pisa have failed to find the net in all of their first four Serie A showdowns in Tuscany.
- The Nerazzurri have failed to win any of their first eight top-flight appearances this season (four defeats, four draws).
Conclusion
Claiming a heavyweight domestic scalp over the weekend as they secured a 1-0 victory at home against historic rivals Juventus, Lazio will be dreaming of a repeat performance here. Desperate to find a route into the European spots and record consecutive Serie A wins for the first time since the start of February, Sarri’s side should also be excited by their recent defensive steel. Recording a clean sheet in three of their previous four appearances, chances could come at a premium on Thursday night. It should also be highlighted, Pisa have drawn a blank in all of their first four Serie A showdowns in Tuscany.
Verdict: Both teams to score – No
Best Odds: 4/5
Bookmaker: Luckster
