Saturday 7th January 2012, 5pm GMT
Although they occupy fourth place in the table and are unbeaten in their last four games, Lazio looked tired as they limped into the winter break via a 0-0 home draw with Chievo. Injuries, coupled with the constant demands that come with participation in both European and domestic competition, had taken their toll on Edy Reja’s squad.
The Biancoceleste travel to Siena tomorrow on the back of some good news – goalkeeper Federico Marchetti has recovered from the muscular injury he picked up at Lecce about a month ago and is available to start. Key defender Stefan Radu is also fit again, while full-back Abdoulay Konko and midfielder Francelino Matuzalem are close to a return. Cristian Brocchi and Stefano Mauri remain sidelined however, and Brazilian midfielder Hernanes may start on the bench as he has just recovered from a groin strain. Tomasso Rocchi and Miroslav Klose are likely to spearhead the Lazio attack as rumours surround the future of Djibril Cisse.
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| Hernanez: "My injury was a pain in the b******" |
Siena also have some good and bad squad news, as defender Nicola Belmonte has recovered from injury, and midfielder Simone Vergassola is also expected to return. Goalkeeper Zeljko Brkic is out due to injury however, while defender Roberto Vitiello and midfielder Gaetano D'Agostino are suspended for this game. Siena began their return to Serie A in solid fashion, but the Tuscans have failed to maintain that momentum in recent weeks. Having failed to score in their last five games, they sit fourth from bottom in the table and coach Giuseppe Sannino will be keen to put some distance between his side and the bottom three.
Lazio’s form on the road has been solid so far this season, and they have yet to lose away from home. Reja’s goal is to qualify for European football once again, while Siena will be happy with the more humble objective of Serie A survival. I expect the Romans to make their superior quality show and to move into third place with a win.
Prediction – Lazio to win – 5pts
Match odds: Siena 2/1
Draw 21/10
Lazio 11/8
