Lazio - Bologna predictions and free betting tips [18/02/2024]

On Sunday, the 18th of February, as part of the 25th round of the Italian Serie A, Lazio will play host to Bologna. Last week, the biancocelesti pulled off a real sensation, defeating Bayern Munich (1:0) in the first 1/8 final match of the Champions League, while the rossoblu also clinched a victory on Wednesday moving two points ahead of the hosts in the league table.

Predicted Line-ups

Lazio: Provedel; Lazzari, Patric, Gila, Marusic; Guendouzi, Cataldi, Alberto; Isaksen, Immobile, Anderson.
Bologna: Skorupski; Posch, Beukema, Calafiori, Kristiansen; Aebischer; Orsolini, Ferguson, Fabbian, Saelemaekers; Zirkzee.

Lazio

Lazio, which finished second place in Serie A last season, is not having as successful a run this campaign, but remains hopeful for a Champions League qualification. Currently, the biancocelesti rank seventh in the league table, trailing the top four clubs by five points. Following a five-match unbeaten streak (four wins and a draw), Maurizio Sarri's charges succumbed to Atalanta (3:1). However, they quickly redeemed themselves before their fans last weekend by defeating struggling Cagliari 3:1.

This week, Lazio delivered a surprise, overcoming Bayern Munich in the first 1/8 match of the Champions League (1:0): Dayot Upamecano was shown a red card and conceded a penalty kick successfully converted by Ciro Immobile. Thus, the capital club achieved its first ever streak of three consecutive home victories in the Champions League without conceding a goal. In the national championship, Lazio also performs successfully at the Olimpico: just two losses in 11 Serie A matches. 

Bologna

Since the appointment of Thiago Motta as head coach last season, Bologna has been aiming to establish itself among the top teams of Italy. The rossoblu's results are very promising: the visitors currently sit fifth in Serie A and have an equal number of points with Atalanta, which sits fourth – implying a Champions League qualification is closer than ever.

After a four-match winless run (2 draws and 2 losses), in the last three matches Bologna has won against Sassuolo (4:2), Lecce (4:0) and Fiorentina this week (2:0). However, away from home the team has recorded only one win, seven draws and suffered three losses, suggesting that Bologna performs much less confidently on the road. Riccardo Orsolini's ninth goal last Wednesday not only secured the rossoblu's victory but also made him the club's top scorer this season.

Previous Encounters

Lewis Ferguson scored the only goal immediately after the break in November, which gave Bologna a win on home ground against Lazio.

Prediction for the Lazio vs Bologna Match

Lazio's mental fatigue following the Champions League could play into the rossoblu's hands. Bologna rarely succeeds away from home, but the team has recently regained form, and previously injured key players have returned to action. I'll take a risk and bet that the visitors will at least avoid defeat this Sunday.

Total Goals Prediction

In six out of the seven previous head-to-head encounters, at least one team did not manage to score. Lazio have conceded only seven goals on home turf, while they themselves have only netted twelve goals in eleven matches. My prediction is a total of under 2.5 goals.

Corner Kicks Prediction

Lazio averages more than five corners per match, while visitors average just 3.8. I expect a victory in corner kicks from the Romans.

Yellow Cards Prediction

Both records show an average of 2.5 yellow cards per match, and considering the stakes, neither side will cool down the heat of the action. I'll bet on a total of over 4.5 bookings.

Score Prediction

I'm betting on a final score of 0:0.