The Matchday 5 clash in the Europa League 2024/25 between Lazio (Italy) and Ludogorets (Bulgaria) will take place on November 28 at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. Lazio vs. Ludogorets: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Referee: Duje Strukan (Croatia)
Matches – 8 (International matches, 2023/24–2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 34;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.2;
Red cards shown – 4;
Average fouls per match – 25;
Penalties – 50%.
Predicted lineups for Lazio vs. Ludogorets
Lazio (4-4-2): Christos Mandas – Adam Marusic, Alessio Romagnoli, Samuel Gigot, Nuno Tavares – Lum Chauna, Mattia Zaccagni, Matias Vecino, Matteo Guendouzi – Pedro Rodriguez, Valentin Castellanos.
Ludogorets (4-3-3): Sergio Padt – Aslak Fonn Witry, Olivier Verdon, Dinis Almeida, Son – Eric Markus, Ivan Yordanov, Deyron Duarte – Ruan Cruz, Kwadwo Duah, Rick.
The starting lineup for each team is based on their previous match in this tournament.
Lazio
In the last round, Marco Baroni's side defeated Portuguese club Porto 2-1 at home. This victory marked Lazio's fourth consecutive win in the Europa League, a streak not seen since 2017. However, it was their first win in this sequence by less than a two-goal margin. The Romans now sit alone at the top of the standings with 12 points. Notably, the 11 goals scored by the club in the group stage rank third in scoring, behind Ajax (13) and Galatasaray (12).
Defender Nuno Tavares will miss the game due to injury.
- The club has not lost in regular time in their last ten home matches in the Europa League (6 wins, 4 draws).
- At least three goals have been scored in 90 minutes in six of the team's previous home games in this tournament.
- The number "2" appeared in the scoreline at the end of regular time in 5 of Lazio's last 6 home matches in the Europa League.
Ludogorets
In the last round, Igor Jovicevic's side lost 1-2 at home to Spanish club Athletic. As a result, Ludogorets extended their winless streak in the Europa League to four matches (1 draw, 3 losses). However, the club scored their first goal in the group stage of this tournament's current edition. In the standings, the Bulgarians are in 34th place, ahead of only two clubs.
Midfielder Jakub Piotrowski will miss the match due to injury.
- The team has not won in regular time in 13 of their last 15 away matches in the Europa League (4 draws, 9 losses).
- Both opponents have scored in 90 minutes in 6 of the club's last 9 away games in this tournament.
- The Bulgarians have scored exactly one or two goals in regular time in 6 of their last 8 away matches in the Europa League.
Lazio vs. Ludogorets: Match Prediction
The Romans focus on attacking play and spend a lot of time in the offensive third. The team is very productive, especially in home matches: in 19 of their last 22 home games in the Europa League, Lazio players have scored in regular time. Moreover, in 14 of those instances, the Italians scored at least twice.
Ludogorets also strive to push forward actively, even in away matches, which often results in goals: in 7 of their last 9 away encounters in the Europa League, the team has breached their opponents' defense. However, the Bulgarians are not known for reliable defense: in their last 15 away matches in this tournament, they have kept a clean sheet only twice.
I expect this match to feature many goals, so my prediction: Total over 2.5 goals
