
Southampton Set to Host Lazio in Penultimate Pre-Season Friendly
Southampton vs Lazio Prediction: Southampton are predicted to win 2-1 against Lazio in their upcoming friendly
Southampton are gearing up for their penultimate pre-season friendly as they welcome Italian side Lazio to St. Mary’s Stadium on Wednesday evening. The Premier League newcomers, fresh off their Championship playoff triumph, will be looking to fine-tune their preparations ahead of their top-flight return.
Russell Martin’s Saints have enjoyed a largely positive pre-season campaign so far, winning all but one of their friendlies. Their most recent outing saw them dispatch Millwall convincingly, building momentum as they approach their Premier League opener against Newcastle United.
Lazio, on the other hand, arrive in England amid a period of transition. The Rome-based club, now under the stewardship of Marco Baroni, are adapting to life without several key players, including talismanic striker Ciro Immobile. This friendly represents a crucial opportunity for Baroni to assess his squad and implement his tactical vision.
Southampton Lineup (3-5-2): Sugawara, Downes, McCarthy, Aribo, Taylor, Harwood-Bellis, Armstrong, Edwards, Brereton Diaz, Stevens, Smallbone
Lazio Lineup (4-3-3): Guendouzi, Noslin, Pellegrini, Castellanos, Lazzari, Tchaouna, Zaccagni, Patric, Cataldi, Casale, Provedel
Southampton:
Kamaldeen Sulemana (uncertain)
Status: Doubtful
Reason: Recent injury concern, awaiting fitness test
Sekou Mara (uncertain)
Status: Doubtful
Reason: Recent injury concern, awaiting fitness test
Lazio:
Ciro Immobile
Status: Unavailable
Reason: Transferred to Besiktas
Luis Alberto
Status: Unavailable
Reason: Left the club
Felipe Anderson
Status: Unavailable
Reason: Left the club
For viewers in the United States, the match will be available to stream on ESPN+. Kick-off is scheduled for 6:30 PM local time.
Given Southampton’s strong pre-season form and home advantage, they enter this fixture as slight favorites. However, Lazio’s quality cannot be underestimated, even as they navigate through a transitional period.
Prediction: Southampton 2-1 Lazio
The Saints’ familiarity with their system under Russell Martin, coupled with their recent goal-scoring form, should see them edge out a narrow victory. However, expect Lazio to provide stern opposition and potentially find the net themselves.
Southampton:
The Saints have been in impressive form, with their only blemish being a 2-0 defeat to Oxford United.
Lazio:
Lazio remain unbeaten in their pre-season campaign, though they were held to a 1-1 draw by Triestina.
This friendly marks the first meeting between Southampton and Lazio, adding an element of intrigue to the encounter.
Southampton:
Lazio:
Southampton recently completed the signing of Ben Brereton Diaz, bolstering their attacking options. The Chilean international’s arrival has generated excitement among the Saints faithful.
For Lazio, the focus has been on adapting to life under new manager Marco Baroni and integrating new signings like Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Loum Tchaouna into the squad.
This friendly serves as a valuable test for both sides as they gear up for their respective league campaigns. Southampton will be keen to prove they’re ready for the Premier League challenge, while Lazio aim to show they can compete at the highest level despite recent changes.
Also Read: