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Lazio, a top contender in this season’s Europa League, has met expectations by leading their group, two points ahead of second place. Under the leadership of Matteo Guendouzi, Lazio has recorded notable victories over Dynamo Kyiv (3-0), Nice (4-1), Twente (2-0), and Porto (2-1).
In Serie A, Lazio had a slow start but has recently found their form. After a tight 1-0 defeat to Juventus, they bounced back with four straight wins against Genoa, Como, Cagliari, and Monza. They aimed to extend this winning streak to five in their recent match against Bologna.
In contrast, Ludogorets has had a difficult Europa League campaign, sitting at the bottom of their group with just one point. They drew 0-0 with Plzen but lost to Slavia Prague (0-2), Anderlecht (2-0), and Bilbao (1-2). However, in their domestic league, Ludogorets has been dominant, having won the last 13 league titles. This season, they remain unbeaten with 13 wins and 1 draw in 14 matches. They will face CSKA Sofia in their next league match.
Lazio will be missing key players like left-back Nuno Tavares and midfielder Mandragora due to injuries. However, experienced winger Pedro, who has 3 goals and 2 assists in the Europa League, remains a regular starter. Strikers Dia (4 goals, 2 assists in Serie A, 2 goals in Europa League) and Castellanos (5 goals in Serie A, 2 goals in Europa League) will be available, as will the talented Zaccagni (4 goals, 2 assists in Serie A).
Ludogorets will be without veteran defender Nedyalkov and midfielder Piotrowski, both injured. Brazilian striker Caio Vidal is suspended, but his compatriot Pedro Naressi is back after serving his suspension. Ludogorets has struggled to score in the Europa League, with only one goal from their top scorer Erick Marcus (4 league goals). Forward Rwan Seco (6 league goals) is their main offensive threat.
Given their current form, Ludogorets has struggled in away matches in the Europa League, earning just one point from a possible 17 and being outscored 12-3. Lazio, on the other hand, has been strong at home, winning 12 of their last 18 Serie A matches. Therefore, Lazio is expected to be confident in securing a positive result against their struggling opponents.
Prediction: Lazio 1 – 1 Ludogorets.
