One of the most significant Rome derbies of recent years looms on Monday evening, with Lazio and Roma looking to take a huge step towards Champions League qualification at the Stadio Olimpico.
Only one point separates the Giallorossi in second from their rivals in third, but with Napoli breathing down their necks there is plenty on the line in the 176th Derby della Capitale.
The first derby of the season ended in a 2-2 draw back in January, with Roma coming back from two goals down to earn a point in the second half.
The Biancoceleste will be looking to make amends for that lapse, as they have been on vastly better form than their rivals in the months since then.
An incredible run of eight consecutive victories was stalled by a defeat to Juventus in mid-April and since that result the two capital clubs have been regularly switching positions in the table.
The Aquile have suffered a dip in form since that defeat, picking up only two wins in six matches, although this has coincided with a string of injuries to key players like Stefan De Vrij and Lucas Biglia.
Champions League qualification is in Lazio’s hands, as they play Roma and Napoli in their final two league matches of the season. However, defeat on Monday could allow the Vesuviani to draw level with them and result in a high-stakes Champions League playoff on the final day of the season.
The Giallorossi will not be taking anything for granted from their four point lead over Rafa Benitez’s side, as they have a challenging match against Palermo on the final day of the season.
However, Rudi Garcia will be encouraged by his side’s recent form in which they have picked up three wins in four games, including coming back from a goal down to beat Udinese 2-1 on Sunday.
Lazio’s injury problems persist and their biggest absence will be midfield metronome Lucas Biglia. The Argentina international could be back for the final day of the season but is unlikely to feature on Monday.
Lorik Cana, Ederson and Pereirinha are also unavailable while Stefan Radu could be out after sustaining and injury during the Coppa Italia final. However, the return of defender De Vrij will be a huge boost for the Aquile after he managed 106 minutes in that same final.
Kevin Strootman, Maicon, Gervinho and Leandro Castan are out for Roma, but derby veterans Francesco Totti and Daniele De Rossi should both start.
Form Guide: Lazio (W-L-D-W-D-L), Roma (W-L-W-W-L-D)
Expected Starting XIs
Lazio: Marchetti; Basta, De Vrij, Gentiletti, Lulic; Cataldi, Parolo; Candreva, Mauri, Felipe Anderson; Klose
Roma: De Sanctis; Florenzi, Manolas, Astori, Torosidis; Pjanic, De Rossi, Nainggolan; Ibarbo, Totti, Ljajic
