Europa League | League Stage

Oct 24, 2024 at 8pm UK

De Grolsch Veste

FC Twente vs Lazio

Match preview

Although Twente drew both of their Europa League matches this season, they were up against some tough opponents, so they probably aren't too disappointed about the results.

The Tukkers showed their resilience by holding Manchester United to a draw at Old Trafford on matchday one, and they secured a point in their first home game against Fenerbahce last time out.

That said, Twente haven't won any of their last nine Europa League matches, and they're back in action on Thursday.

Since letting the win slip against Fenerbahce, Joseph Oosting's side have lost to Feyenoord and drawn with RKC in the Eredivisie, where they sit sixth in the standings.

After Carel Eiting's late equaliser at the weekend, they've now scored in 21 consecutive games across all competitions. That run dates back to March.

Now, Twente are up against Italian opposition in either the Europa League or its predecessor for the first time since beating Juventus in the 1975 UEFA Cup semi-finals. They won both legs but then lost to Borussia Mönchengladbach in the final.

Lazio had a great start to the league phase, beating Dynamo Kyiv convincingly on the opening matchday. They continued their fine run by beating Nice 4-1 at home earlier this month.

Taty Castellanos, the team's top scorer, found the back of the net twice at Stadio Olimpico, putting Lazio at the top of the table with six points from two games.

So their quest for a top-eight finish – which would mean they'd automatically qualify for the last 16 – has got off to a perfect start. Marco Baroni's boys are keen to keep that winning streak going.

Lazio have only won their first three European games of a season twice before, but they're on a free-scoring start this week, so it looks like they could do it again.

The capital club have scored more goals than any other team so far (seven), and only Elfsborg – who recently beat their arch-rivals Roma – have a higher shot conversion rate.

Before losing to Juventus last week, Lazio had won four straight games in Serie A and the Europa League, marking their best run since the start of the year.

However, they don't do as well away from home as they do in Rome. After losing 1-0 in Turin, they've only averaged one point per league game away from home.

Recent Performance

FC Twente Europa League form:DD

FC Twente form (all competitions):WDWDLD

Lazio Europa League form:WW

Lazio form (all competitions):LWWWWL

Injuries and suspensions

FC Twente

No sidelined players

Lazio

No sidelined players

Head to Head

8 Aug 2021 FC Twente 0:1 Lazio

Possible starting lineups

FC Twente possible starting lineup:

Unnerstall; Van Rooij, Bruns, Hilgers, Salah-Eddine; Vlap, Regeer; Van Bergen, Steijn, Rots; Lammers

Lazio possible starting lineup:

Mandas; Marusic, Romagnoli, Patric, Pellegrini; Rovella, Vecino; Tchaouna, Dele-Bashiru, Pedro; Castellanos