It’s Feyenoord vs Lazio in the Champions League on Wednesday as the Biancocelesti aim to maintain their unbeaten record in Europe this term. They make the trip to De Kuip to face the Dutch champions midweek.
Group E looks wide open through the first two rounds of games, with Atletico Madrid and Lazio locked on four points each, and Feyenoord just one point behind in third. Lazio are looking for back-to-back European triumphs here, whilst the Dutch outfit are hoping to bounce back from a 3-2 loss away to Atletico in their latest Champions League outing.
Arne Slot’s Feyenoord have proven to be difficult to beat this term and have suffered just one defeat thus far. That was against Atletico but it was not straightforward for the Spanish side who were out shot 7-18. As for the visitors, their European voyage has been filled with late drama so far and two goals at the death have secured their results in the Champions League this season. Here is our Feyenoord vs Lazio preview.
Feyenoord Preview
Having lost just two league games last season, Feyenoord cruised to the Eredivisie title to ensure their spot in the Champions League group stage for the first time since the 2017/18 campaign. They have made a solid start at defending their crown too and are yet to suffer a defeat in the league this term. De club aan de Maas have won their last seven consecutive Eredivisie matches as well. However, two draws to kick off their domestic campaign means they are trailing PSV Eindhoven.
Slot’s men are in a solid position in Europe through two games and have won one and lost one. They began with a comfortable 2-0 victory at home to Celtic. Goals from Calvin Stengs and Alireza Jahanbakhsh secured the win but they were defeated in the Spanish capital in their last Champions League match. Nevertheless, Feyenoord have a real chance at qualifying for the last 16 for the first time in their history here.
Despite taking the lead twice through an own-goal by Mario Hermoso and then through defender David Hancko, Feyenoord couldn’t hold on to a result against Atletico. A second-half strike from Alvaro Morata proved to be the winner. Nevertheless, Feyenoord created by far the better chances throughout and were unfortunate to suffer a defeat. A 4-0 win at home to Vitesse on Saturday proves they head into the match here in great shape.
One To Watch: Santiago Gimenez
Mexican forward Santiago Gimenez has been on fire for the Dutch side this term and has managed to score a total of 13 goals in just nine Eredivisie appearances this term. The 22-year-old has also provided three assists and will be a huge threat up top on Wednesday. Gimenez has bagged eight in his last five appearances for Feyenoord.
Lazio Preview
Things have appeared to have settled for last season’s Serie A runners-up after a poor start to the season. Lazio picked up just one win over their opening six competitive matches but have since won four of their last five outings. That means they have moved back into the top-half in the Italian top-flight and head coach Maurizio Sarri seems to have steadied the ship.
The Biancocelesti head into this one after winning their last three successive games too so they are starting to find a bit of form and consistency. That started with a 2-1 victory away to Celtic, courtesy of an injury-time winner from Pedro. Lazio have won their two Serie A matches since then, securing triumphs over Atalanta and Sassuolo.
Late goals have been a common trend for Lazio this term and it wasn’t past the 80th minute that they were able to find a winner against La Dea, thanks to a goal from Matias Vecino. Last Saturday’s 2-0 away victory over Sassuolo was a little more calm. First-half goals by Felipe Anderson and Luis Alberto ensured that the Biancocelesti would come away with all three points.
One To Watch: Taty Castellanos
With captain Ciro Immobile struggling for form and fitness, Argentine forward Taty Castellanos has been performing well in his place. The 25-year-old scored and assisted in the win over Atalanta and also managed to assist Anderson’s opener against Sassuolo on Saturday.
Head-to-Head
Feyenoord and Lazio were drawn in the same group in last season’s Europa League and they both won a game each. The Italian side failed to qualify into the knockouts, however, and dropped down into the Europa Conference League.
In spite of beating the Dutch side 4-2 at Stadio Olimpico, Lazio were unable to beat Feyenoord in the reverse fixture in Rotterdam, suffering a narrow 1-0 loss. That result would prove pivotal in the Biancocelesti failing to make it out of the groups.
Feyenoord vs Lazio Potential Lineups & Team News
Feyenoord (4-3-3): Justin Bijlow; Bart Nieuwkoop, Lutsharel Geertruida, David Hancko, Quilindschy Hartman; Calvin Stengs, Mats Wieffer, Quinten Timber; Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Santiago Gimenez, Igor Paixao
Justin Bijlow returned in between the sticks at the weekend and so he should keep his place ahead of Timon Wellenreuther. Centre-half Gernot Trauner has been injured for the past two games and so Lutsharel Geertruida is expected to keep his spot in the middle, with Bart Nieuwkoop maintaining his position at right-back.
With Yankuba Minteh in doubt after picking up an injury at the weekend, Jahanbakhsh could feature on the wing to make up a front three alongside Gimenez and Igor Paixao. Luka Ivanusec is also in doubt due to an ankle issue.
Lazio (4-3-3): Ivan Provedel; Adam Marusic, Patric, Alessio Romagnoli, Elseid Hysaj; Daichi Kamada, Matias Vecino, Luis Alberto; Felipe Anderson, Taty Castellanos, Mattia Zaccagni
With Immobile continuing to struggle for fitness of late, Castellanos is set to keep his role up top for the away side. However, Sarri is not expected to have any other injury concerns here and should have a full strength team to choose from.
The 64-year-old head coach has opted for a midfield three of Luis Alberto, Nicolo Rovella and Matteo Guendouzi over the past two league wins. However, we could see some rotation here since Daichi Kamada and Vecino have started both European matches thus far. Danilo Cataldi is also an option.
Feyenoord vs Lazio Prediction
Lazio were able to end their European away hoodoo in Round 2 over Celtic but Feyenoord will pose a much tougher task. The visitors are starting to find some form but the hosts are excellent on their own turf. It should be a hard-fought and close encounter in Rotterdam, with Feyenoord just about edging the win.
Feyenoord 2-1 Lazio