Yesterday was an amazing day for both free and premium members. We have posted five betting previews on the website, one lost(Watford v Brighton), the other four were winning ones(DC United v New England Revolution, Orlando City v Vancouver Whitecaps, Alaves v Barcelona, Huddersfield v Southampton). We will post three free betting previews for today, we have already posted a preview of the match between Liverpool and Arsenal, below is the second one, the third one will be in a couple of minutes.
Chievo are in a position where they can field the equivalent of their strongest starting XI, with only Meggiorini and Gaudino out. Two from Inglese, Pucciarelli and Pellissier will start up top, covering the loss of Meggiorini, while as usual there may be some neutral rotation at centre back, with Cesar an alternative to Dainelli or Gamberini. Elsewhere they should be unchanged after Udinese win. Maran’s side have shown they can frustrate and get results against clubs with greater resources than themselves, although last season they made a point of making the most of the games against bottom half sides, mostly losing against the better teams. With a +0.25 handicap, they’re capable of thwarting a Lazio side that struggled to break down newly promoted SPAL last weekend, but a win is a big ask. Chievo’s best chance of getting a result is to make it a tight and scrappy affair, with them possessing less quality than Lazio. A fairly cautious approach is anticipated as a result, with them aiming to make the most of the set pieces. However, their home games against the better teams last season generally went over the 2.5 goal line on offer here, with Chievo tending to score but still losing.
Lazio are lacking attacking options, as Felipe Anderson is still sidelined by injury and Balde is still not an option with him wanting a move away. That’s a blow, but they’re at their strongest elsewhere and are boosted by having Lucas Leiva available to make his Serie A debut in midfield, adding stability. Palombi looks set to make way, while the wing back positions could see some rotation. The visitors were disappointed to be held to a goalless draw at home to SPAL on the opening weekend and Inzaghi is keen for them to bounce back but away to Chievo is a tricky fixture and is somewhere they haven’t won since the 2013/14 campaign. Faced with a -0.25 handicap, which was initially at -0.5, the have the extra quality, but their team news leaves them short of full strength in attack. Lazio have goals in them, even when not at full strength, but it could be tough to break down a Chievo side whom they only took one point off last season. They’ll be playing to win and will show increased attacking intent if not leading, but an early goal may well be needed for this clash to go over the 2.5 goal line given Lazio’s attacking absentees and Chievo’s preference for a low scoring game.
Verdict & Prediction
Chievo opened the new season with a positive win away to Udinese, a result that will have filled them with confidence, while the feeling around the club is positive, with Maran praising his players for their hard working nature and desire to constantly improve. A home win over Lazio would represent an excellent result, but a draw would also be taken, meaning that Chievo go into the international break with a solid 4 point haul to begin the season. They thrive when playing as underdogs and will be hungry to pull off a shock result. We recommend a bet on Chievo!
Prediction: Chievo +0.50 Asian Handicap (same as Double Chance bet on Chievo)
Odds: 1.86 SBOBET, 1.85 Pinnacle
