Despite missing a host of key players, Lazio host Atalanta at the Stadio Olimpico in Serie A on Saturday as they look to consolidate their place in the top six before the festive period.
Currently sitting two points ahead of Milan in sixth place, Lazio won 2-1 on the road to Parma last weekend, their first victory in three games. While 14th place Atalanta were also victors in a 3-2 comeback win at home to Cesena.
These two sides share an interesting history with each other, as since 2007, both sides have shared six wins apiece without drawing a single time.
On the last seven occasions Lazio have beaten Atalanta, they have managed to keep a clean sheet, and they will be looking for that defensive stability come Saturday and rectify a recent trend, where they have conceded goals in their last five home games.
Atalanta have only won three games so far this campaign, which is their worst start to a Serie A campaign since 2009/10.
For Lazio, Antonio Candreva is the big name out, sidelined through injury for another week, while fellow star Marco Parolo is suspended for the clash. Meanwhile, Ciani, Emerson, Biglia and Radu also remain on the sidelines.
Filip Djordjevic is expected to start up front in favour of Miroslav Klose, who has been reduced to appearances off the bench in recent weeks, with coach Stefan Pioli will continue to stick with his 4-3-3 formation as Felipe Anderson comes in for the injured Candreva.
Atalanta have a relatively healthy squad to choose from with only a few minor injury concerns.
Expected Starting XIs
Lazio: Marchetti, Basta, De Vrij, Cana, Lulic, Onazi, Ledesma, Gonzalez, Anderson, Djordjevic, Mauri
Atalanta: Sportello, Benalouane, Stendardo, Cherubin, Del Grosso, D’Alessandro, Cigarini, Carmona, A.Gomez, Moralez, Denis.
