Feyenoord face Lazio in a crucial Champions League group stage clash on Wednesday evening. The current Eredivisie champions and the Italian Serie A side are looking to progress to the knockout rounds, and this matchup could have a huge say in who makes it out of Group E. The two sides are familiar with each other on the continental stage after being drawn together in last season’s Europa League group stage. They shared one win each last year, and now the club’s face each other on an even bigger stage.
Feyenoord are the hosts for this fixture, which arguably makes them the favourites to take all three points. In the Eredivisie, Arne Slot’s side are currently third in the table after an unbeaten start. Mexican goal Machine Santiago Giménez has scored 13 goals in matches and consistently delivers week in and week out. The 22-year-old did pick up an injury in his side’s previous match, but he should be available to face Lazio. Yankuba Minteh and captain Gernot Trauner miss out due to injury, but Slot has several solid options to choose from.Â
On the European stage, Feyenoord kicked off the campaign with a solid 2-0 victory over Celtic before suffering a 3-2 defeat to Atlético Madrid. They’re currently third in Group E, behind Atleti and Lazio who sit in second place. A win would be huge for the Rotterdam club and seeing as though they’ve scored 19 goals in their last five league games, a victory for the hosts would come as no surprise.
Maurizio Sarri’s Lazio are currently ninth in Serie A and they’ve picked up a draw and a victory in their first two Champions League games. Goalkeeper Ivan Provedel scored a remarkable late goal at the Stadio Olimpico to secure a point against Atlético Madrid on matchday one. Having won four of their last five matches in all competitions, the Italian outfit will be determined to continue their fantastic form.Â
Ciro Immobile, Felipe Anderson, Pedro and Luis Alberto are their main attacking threats. But, if Lutsharel Geertruida, David Hancko and Quilindschy Hartman can stay strong in the Feyenoord defence, then the Dutch giants should have no problem.
