Catania – Lazio

By: cathal | March 20th, 2009

Lazio have a tough task on their hands tomorrow as they travel to Catania to play a side who are hovering just above the danger zone. With the Sicilians impressive home form, we will have to be on our guard as we should expect to be kept on our toes. I wouldn’t bet on the outcome of this game, it could go either way.

We have had a fairly difficult week. Firstly, there was the whole Cribari saga and then there was injury after injury which has culminated in the confusion of the tifosi. If anyone actually knows who is fit and available for this game, they are very well informed. Seriously, you would need to have Delio on speedial. Nevertheless, I’ll try and piece it all together as best I can.

Definite absentees are Matuzalem, Dabo and Kolarov. Aleksandar is suspended following the red card he received against Chievo while Francy and Ousmane are out injured. Muslera was an injury concern earlier in the week but he appears to be available for selection and if that is the case, I would expect to see Carrizo on the bench. Lichtsteiner is also an injury concern, in fact, it is highly unlikely he will feature although he has been picked for the squad. After their dire showing last week, Cribari and Siviglia are expected to retain their places. Manfredini will probably get the nod for midfield ahead of Mauri and Meghni. Pandev and Rocchi look certain to start in attack. Del Nero is also back in the squad, his return to fitness has gone largely unnoticed and I wonder if Rossi could spring a surprise there. Here’s the line-up I expect:

Lazio (4-3-1-2): Muslera, Radu, Cribari, Siviglia, De Silvestri, Manfredini, Ledesma, Brocchi, Foggia, Pandev, Rocchi.

Catania will be an intimidating force at home but their performance tomorrow could depend on their mindset. I personally believe they are lacking in motivation and a recent loss in home form appears to illustrate that. They are virtually safe from relegation and have no hope of reaching Europe so I feel we are facing a side with nothing to play for but pride. However, I know they can turn it on when they want to; look at the recent 4-0 drubbing of archrivals Palermo and you will see what I mean. If they turn up and turn it on, I think we are in trouble but if they leave the door open, we have the means to pass through. Forza Lazio!

Previous Encounter: Lazio 1-0 Catania (Foggia, 85)
Last Season: Catania 1-0 Lazio (Spinesi pen. 34)
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