Lazio vs Real Sociedad Prediction: 23/1/2025

Lazio leads the Europa League standings after six group-stage matches, with a goal difference separating them from Athletic Bilbao. With 16 points in its bag, the Roman club is a comfortable five points away from ninth place to ensure a strong position for direct qualification to the Round of 16. The team has had an impressive campaign with five wins: 3-0 against Dynamo Kyiv, 4-1 against Nice, 2-0 against Twente, 2-1 against FC Porto, and 3-1 against Ajax, while it drew once 0-0 against Ludogorets. In Serie A, Lazio is still in the top four despite a recent run of three winless matches. They seek to return to winning ways this coming weekend against Hellas Verona.

Real Sociedad has not had as commanding a Europa League campaign but is well-placed nonetheless for a Round of 16 berth without going into the playoffs. The Spanish side, however, stands only a point away from the top eight, having won in three of the last four encounters against Maccabi Tel Aviv 2-1, Viktoria Plzen 2-1, Ajax 2-0, and finally Dynamo Kyiv 3-0. This season, in La Liga, Sociedad secured a recent victory over Villarreal as they are further set to travel to Valencia seeking to establish an appearance within the top six levels.

Lazio will have to make do without substitutes Patric, Pedro, and Vecino for this game. The French winger Tchaouna, though, will feature as he is suspended domestically, while striker Castellanos has netted seven goals in Serie A. The Senegalese international Boulaye Dia, with five goals and two assists in the league, is expected to feature. Midfield dynamo Mattéo Guendouzi will most likely be a sure starter, Pedro remains a key offensive weapon and with four goals in the Europa League is their top scorer in the competition, while newcomer Ibrahimovic-the promising attacking midfielder-is not eligible for this competition.

Real Sociedad will be joined by right-back Aramburu, who missed last weekend because of suspension. However, Hamari Traoré and Odriozola are still out for the Basques because of injuries. The Basques will depend on Takefusa Kubo and Mikel Oyarzabal, both with two goals in the Europa League, and young talent Ander Barrenetxea to break down Lazio’s defense.

Real Sociedad has historically dominated this fixture, winning four in a row against Lazio as part of an incredible 17-match unbeaten streak in the Europa League. Lazio has struggled in recent domestic fixtures, with seven losses in their last eight league matches, a trend that may influence this European showdown.

Prediction

It should see Real Sociedad take advantage of their current high momentum into a 2-0 win against Lazio to further extend their decent record against the Italian giants.

Prediction: Lazio 0 : 2 Real Sociedad