For our Lazio vs. AZ Alkmaar prediction, we're going for a 1-0 win for the home side.
Lazio face AZ Alkmaar in the first leg of their Europa Conference League round of 16 tie in one of the round's more intriguing matchups.
Lazio are having a fine campaign under Maurizio Sarri as they enter this game 3rd in Serie A and one of the favourites to win this competition.
The Italian outfit disposed of CFR Cluj by an aggregate scoreline of 1-0 in the knockout round in a tight but professional pair of performances.
They enter this game amidst a strong run of form having won four and drawn one of their last five matches in all competitions, the most recent of which was a huge 1-0 win away at runaway Serie A leaders Napoli.
Napoli were unbeaten at home in Serie A heading into that game so to come away with three points is quite the feat for the side from the Italian capital.
While struggling somewhat in front of goal, Lazio have been outstanding defensively of late, with Sarri's side keeping five consecutive clean sheets.
Lazio should run deep into the latter stages of this competition given their quality and pedigree but they've been given one of the tougher draws here. They should win, but nothing is given.
AZ Alkmaar are having a strong campaign in Holland as they enter this game 3rd in the Dutch Eredivisie, five points off leaders Feyenoord.
Their form has been pretty mixed of late, though, having won three and drawn two of their last five games in all competitions, but having won their last two on the bounce there shouldn't be any concern in that regard here.
AZ steamrolled through their Conference League group, topping a group containing Dnipro, Apollon and FC Vaduz by winning five and losing just one of their six matches.
AZ have been solid away from home of late having won three, drawn one and lost one of their last five matches on the road.
They've been impressive in front of goal, too, having scored an average of two goals per game across their last five matches.
This should be a highly entertaining and a viciously competitive affair, which in all honesty would be better suited as a semi-final rather than a round of 16. Lazio are favourites, but AZ are very live underdogs in this one and they'll be hoping they can capitalise on Lazio's struggles in front of goal. It'll be tough to take a first leg lead back to the Netherlands but they're more than capable of getting a draw here.
Don’t forget to check out the rest of our previews, tips and offers for this weekend’s action.