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Celtic vs Lazio Europa League Group Stage Matchday 3 Odds & Pick

Sam Cox

by Sam Cox in Soccer News

Updated Apr 13, 2020 · 2:12 PM PDT

Celtic
Odds are split between who will come out on top between Celtic and Lazio on Thursday. Photo By @CelticFC (Twitter)
  • Celtic host Lazio in Group E
  • Glasgow-based side top group
  • Lazio’s form is mixed of late

Celtic are looking to take commanding control of Europa League Group E at home to Lazio on Thursday night. With four points from their first two matches, the Scottish champions can put themselves within touching distance of progression with victory.

Defeat, however, would put Celtic under pressure ahead of the second match of this double-header on November 7.

Europa League Group E – Celtic vs Lazio Odds

Team Spread Moneyline Total
Celtic pk (-111) +152 O 2.5 (-116)
Lazio pk (-109) +154 U 2.5 (-104)
Draw N/A +205 N/A

*Odds taken October 23, 2019

Patchy Lazio Form

After a shock defeat to Livingston before the international break, Neil Lennon’s side bounced back in emphatic fashion at the weekend. A 6-0 victory reflected Celtic’s dominance over Ross County, who had been on an unbeaten run. French sensation Odsonne Edouard starred again, taking his tally to 11 for the season. Lennon needs the 21-year-old to continue his brilliant form on Thursday night.

Edouard has been linked with a big move this January, but Celtic are determined for him to stay put. These are the nights where he can prove himself on the European stage and it will be interesting to see how he copes with facing Lazio’s back three. Edouard is the danger man for Lazio.

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Celtic got the better of CFR Cluj in their last Europa League outing, while Lazio came from behind to beat Rennes after a dramatic second half. That was at Stadio Olimpico, however, and Lazio are a different side on the road. They haven’t won in four consecutive away matches with their only victory away from Stadio Olimpico this season coming back on August 25.

Simone Inzaghi’s team played one of the most captivating matches of the season at the weekend. Lazio were 3-0 down to Atalanta at half-time but treated the home fans to a thrilling second-half comeback, capped off by a Ciro Immobile equalizer from the penalty spot in added time. Inzaghi will hope the recovery from a potentially damaging home loss will give them something to build on.

Celtic vs Lazio – Europa League Stats

Celtic
VS
Lazio
1st Position 3rd
3 Goals scored 3
51.5% Average possession 54.6%
6 yellows, 1 red Cards 4 yellows, no reds
12.5 Shots per match 12.5

Lucas Returns

After missing out through suspension at the weekend, former Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva is expected to return to the starting line-up for Lazio. Immobile, the second-highest scorer in Europe’s top five leagues, could be given a rest by Inzaghi. Veteran Marco Parolo may drop to the bench if Lucas returns.

The Europa League is a greater priority for Celtic than it is for Lazio. Lennon is unlikely to make any changes to the team that dismantled Ross County. Jozo Simunovic isn’t expected to be available as he recovers from knee surgery.

Celtic Favored

Celtic are +152 to win on Thursday. The two squads might look like a mismatch on paper, but Celtic Park is a very difficult place to go on European nights. It’s a nightmare fixture for a team struggling on the road.

Lazio’s defense has been vulnerable this season – only six teams have a higher non-penalty expected goals against in Serie A this season. An Edouard-led Celtic attack should be able to take advantage of that.

Pick: Celtic to win (+152)

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