At Wanda Metropolitano, a conflict for the highest spot in Group E of the Champions League is ready as Atletico Madrid welcomes Lazio for his or her closing group-stage match.
With only one level separating the groups, each have secured a spot within the final 16, with Atletico presently main in second place.
Match Preview
Atletico Madrid, after a disappointing group-stage exit final 12 months, have secured their last-16 spot early this season, successful three and drawing two of their first 5 Group E matches.
They want solely to keep away from defeat in opposition to Lazio to high the group for the primary time since 2016-17.
Diego Simeone’s facet, following a 3-1 victory in opposition to Feyenoord within the Netherlands on matchday 5, will look to proceed their successful methods. They’re now third in La Liga and have already showcased dominance at residence within the group stage.
Lazio, for the primary time in three years, have qualified for the final 16 after accumulating 10 factors from their preliminary 5 group-stage matches.
Maurizio Sarri’s males want a win in opposition to Atletico to safe the highest spot, however they face a troublesome activity, having struggled on the highway in current video games.
Whereas Lazio has shown strength in the Champions League, they’ve had combined fortunes domestically, not too long ago drawing in opposition to Verona in Serie A.
Nevertheless, they intention to vary their away type in Europe in opposition to an Atletico facet they’ve struggled in opposition to in earlier encounters.
Workforce Information
Atletico Madrid continues to be with out Thomas Lemar, Vitolo, and Pablo Barrios as a consequence of long-term accidents. Simeone may contemplate rotating his squad, with some gamers pushing for a beginning spot.
Lazio’s Adam Marusic joins Alessio Romagnoli, Patric, and Gustav Isaksen on the harm record. Nicolo Rovella is suspended, so Sarri has choices to make in midfield and protection.
Potential Lineups
Atletico Madrid: (3-4-2-1)
Oblak;
Gimenez, Witsel, Hermoso;
Llorente, Koke, De Paul, Lino;
Correa, Griezmann;
Morata
Lazio: (4-3-3)
Provedel;
Lazzari, Casale, Gila, Hysaj;
Kamada, Guendouzi, Alberto;
Anderson, Motionless, Zaccagni
Prediction: Atletico Madrid 2-1 Lazio
In what is anticipated to be a carefully contested match, Atletico Madrid has the house benefit and a powerful residence report within the group stage.
Lazio’s current struggles away from residence may give Atletico the sting to safe a slender victory and declare the highest spot in Group E.
