KingsleyComan - January Soccer Thoughts

[KingsleyComan93]

*African Cup of Nations: Algeria Vs. South Africa*


Well, these are probably my two favourite sides on the African continent. Many of you will recall that I backed Algeria in every single game of the World Cup, and did quite well as they only lost out in extra time to eventual Champions Germany. Algeria possess three of the best African players currently, with the "golden trio" of Brahimi, Feghouli, and Slimani. All three shone on the sports biggest stage and play for a top European side. Algeria dominated their qualifying group, winning their first five games, before losing the last one when they already had the group sewn up. Simply put, they are one of the highest quality sides in Africa, have tremendous team spirit, and are wonderfully organized. They play an attacking brand of soccer, and as was seen by the world, can beat the world's best teams on a given day. South Africa, on the other hand, are undergoing a bit of a resurgence. They have not been a top African side since the late 90's, but coach Mashaba seems to have given the players belief again. South African soccer has always been plagued by the inability of their players to finish as strikers have always been quite poor. Not since Benni McCarthy have South African's had a quality finisher, although Mphela tried to make his best impression. Currently, how the South African squad plays is through dynamic midfielders who are quite underrated and creative. They can score from anywhere as well, and have the ability to produce magic. I believe this South African squad is going to qualify from a tough group, but will need to get off to a good side against the best team in the tournament. South Africa have an inexperienced central defender in Coetzee who has impressed, but he is only 18 years old. They are playing what is arguably the third best goalkeeper in South Africa as their inspiration, and number one goalkeeper and captain, Senzo Meyiwa passed away during a botched robbery attempt. The Algerian strikes are capable of punishing any miscues, but these South African's have not lost in 12 games under Mashaba. The one thing they struggle with is players of real quality. They faced Nigeria in their qualifying group and, despite avoiding defeat, regularly were threatened and scored upon by their Nigerian counterparts. The Algerian strike force is much stronger, in my eyes. **My Pick of The Day today is Over 2 Goals @ 2.01**. I really believe this line should have been at 2.5. **I'm also going to take South Africa +.5 @ 2.09**. Algeria should be much heavier favourites after their performance in qualifying, and at the World Cup, so that gave me pause. Additionally, South Africa have never lost to Algeria, and have been getting results against much more fancied sides of late.


*African Cup of Nations: Senegal Vs Ghana*


I actually like Senegal to nick a result here, as they are underrated after having been one of the top African squads at the turn of the millennium. They went through a bit of a lull in recent years, but are starting to get back to their best. They will be without the electrifying Mane of Southampton in this match as he is battling injury, but they still have more than enough attacking verve. They were very impressive in a 5-2 victory over Guinea in recent friendlies, but they still can be caught out by quality attackers. Simply, their defense is not up to par. Ghana, as everyone knows, is one of the biggest names in African football/soccer. Their star striker, Gyan, may be out of this game as he is battling a "mild" form of Malaria. Whatever a mild form of Malaria may be. Ghana, like Senegal, can be beaten by an offence with any semblance of quality. They are naive defensively and play a very haphazard style. Just a quick look at the form charts will tell you that only one of Ghana's last 10 games failed to have at least two goals. Additionally, their Cup games always seem to have goals. I think this total is set at two simply because that is how the opening set of fixtures have gone thus far in the African Cup of Nations. Personally, I don't see how that's going to continue today. **I'm going to take Over 2 Goals @ 1.90**


*International Friendly: Sweden Vs Finland*


Sweden were extremely impressive in their recent friendly, a 2-0 victory over Ivory Coast. Although this is a squad based of scandinavian based players only, they attacked with verve and limited the Ivory Coast's attacks to half chances, save for Bony's early header attempts. Swedish soccer is on the ascent while Finnish soccer has suffered a dramatic regression. They are also bringing a predominantly home based squad for this fixture. They have been poor in all of their recent games, and while I have not seen much of them, I much prefer the Swedish team. I can't speak too much about the Finnish squad as I have not seen them play of late, but I'm simply commenting on what I saw from Sweden. I was very impressed, and the Finnish are certainly a step below. If it wasn't for a lack of squad information, this could have been my pick of the day. I'm going to take **Sweden to win @ 2.08**

 

[KingsleyComan93]

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[KingsleyComan93]

*African Cup of Nations: Ivory Coast Vs Guinea*


One of these teams has been a favourite to win the African Cup of Nations for the last decade, while the other has been looked at as heavily stigmatized group. Guinea were forced to play their home games in Morocco during the qualification round as there were fears of Ebola plaguing the squad. They still managed to qualify from a difficult group featuring Ghana, Togo, and Uganda. They really struggled playing away from home, but thankfully, their matches during the African Cup of Nations will be much more akin to their 'home' fixtures in the qualifiers as neither side will be in front of their fans. In those games, Guinea fared much better, winning two and drawing one. Ivory Coast have looked the definition of lacklustre to me in their recent games. They were pedestrian against Cameroon in their final qualifier, in disarray against the attacking verve of South Africa, mediocre against Nigeria, and shocking against Sweden. I can't believe they were so outclassed by a domestic based Swedish side, with their only real scoring chances in the form of headers by Bony. Ivory Coast are, probably, the most talented side in this Cup, but that doesn't matter if you can't play as a team. Their main threat is easily the pace and trickery of Gervinho, who has looked reborn playing for AS Roma. Still, Ivory Coast have only managed to score one goal in their last four games, and I have a hard time seeing them flick the switch to all of a sudden be in free-scoring form. Guinea do have some attacking threats, so Ivory Coast can't forget about defence. After their last set of friendlies, I'm sure their manager will have them focusing on just that. Guinea are a hard working side, and Ivory Coast will have to be careful to even win this one. I'm going to take **Under 2.5 Goals @ 1.79 as my Pick of The Day**


*Asian Cup: Jordan Vs Japan*


This one is purely a play based on the current group standings and the form shown by the teams. I'm not going to bother commenting on the play of Japan and Jordan thus far in the tournament, because frankly, I haven't watched a minute of it. Here's what I do know: Japan are a proud team, chalk full of quality, far beyond that of any team save Australia in this tournament. They have players that play in the top leagues of Europe, and even their reserves should run rampant on Jordan. Jordan are currently in third in the group, and need to go for points here. Surely, Jordan are not going to keep Japan to zero goals, so at some point, will need to go for the attack. Iraq will likely beat group bottom feeders Palestine, so the only way Jordan is going to qualify for the next round is if they win. Chances of them winning are pretty slim, but they may as well have a go of it should they not? I'm going to take **Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.83**


*African Cup of Nations: Cameroon Vs Mali*


I've had the pleasure of watching both of these sides in action in recent pre-tournament friendlies, as both sides took on South Africa in warmups. Cameroon dominated proceedings against South Africa until the influx of substitutions slowed down the game, and South Africa eventually capitalized. Mali, on the other hand, were simply outclassed as South Africa ran out 3-0 winners. While neither side excels playing away from home, Mali were losers to Malawi, which is of concern. Cameroon are solid in almost every department, save for goalkeeper, which is always a concern as these African sides really struggle to deal with aerial threats. Cameroon were a major disappointment during the World Cup, but new captain Stephane Mbia, who is suspended for this match, claims that the team turmoil is a thing of the past. Cameroon have Aboubakar, who was in scintillating form against South Africa and looks the most likely to make something happen. Mali have skillful players as well, and have managed to finish third in consecutive Cup of Nations. The issue I have is that personnel wise, I like the makeup of Cameroon much better. I know I shouldn't read too much into one game either, but the contrasting performances I saw in recent friendlies is too much to ignore for me. I'm going to take **Cameroon to win @ 2.11**

 

[KingsleyComan93]

*African Cup of Nations: Equatorial Guinea vs Burkina Faso*

I could see why man people would be down trodden on the prospects of Burkina Faso. They threw away three points against Gabon, and now face the host nation. Well, I think they played quite well against Gabon, but a combination of unluckiness and a lack of finishing ended up costing them. They dominated the game and succumbed to the counter attacks of Gabon. The issue for Equatorial Guinea is that, since they only got a draw in the first game against one of the worst sides, Congo, they need a win tonight. If they play for another draw then they will have it all to do against the group leaders, Gabon. I think we are going to see a similar game to Burkina Faso's first in that I expect them to dominate proceedings. Equatorial Guinea do not have the counter attacking threat of Aubameyang to worry about, so I think Burkina Faso will be safe. Equatorial Guinea have some talented players from their Spanish contingent, but Burkina Faso have better players throughout. In fact, Burkina Faso possesses a very good attacking force, and I don't think they will make the same mistakes they made last time out. **My Pick of The Day is Burkina Faso to win @ 2.08**

 

[KingsleyComan93]

*African Cup of Nations: Algeria Vs Ghana*


These two sides have easily among the best attacking forces in the tournament. Simply, few teams can match the firepower that Algeria and Ghana have to offer. Algeria have Slimani, Feghouli, Soudani, Brahimi, Taider, and Bentaleb, amongst others. Ghana have Atsu, the Ayew brothers, Appiah, and Gyan. Gyan will totally change the complexion of the Ghanaian attack as he is a recognized goal scorer. The Ghanaian's, in the first match against Senegal, generated many chances but did not have someone who can finish them. Gyan missed the match due to a bout with Malaria, but he has been declared ready for this one. I also expect to see a much better game from Algeria today as they were the definition of complacent against the South Africans. The 3-1 scoreline was very flattering, as they were dominated at times, and the South Africans created many chances. I expect to see an Algerian side that takes the initiative much more today. Helpfully, Ghana must attack them to have any chance at progressing, and the Algerian's are not a team that you want to let play a counter attacking game. They are simply too good at that type of soccer, and have the finishers that will make you pay. Ghana are out of the tournament if they lose this game, and even a draw will make life close to impossible. They simply have to go for the win. If Gyan was still out, I'd take Algeria to win, but the return of Gyan, the complacency of Algeria last time, and the game the Ghanaian's showed in teh first half against Senegal make it tough to call a winner. I just don't see a way we don't get at least two goals here. **My Pick of The Day is Over 2 Goals @ 1.80**



*Commonwealth of Independent States - SemiFinals: Belarus u21 vs South Africa u21*


I touched on the South African u21 side in a preview at the end of last week, and basically, they play much the same as many African sides. They are extremely quick and very technically sophisticated. For the most part, the Eastern European sides that make up the bulk of this competition's competing teams have a hard time playing against them. Now, I haven't watched Belarus u21 yet in this tournament, but I'd assume they possess similar abilities to the majority of Belarusian players in that they are more technically skilled than many of their Eastern European counterparts. That being said, South Africa are on a bit of a high right now. They impressively handled the host country, Russia, in the Quarter Finals, running out 2-0 victors. The Russian's were in free scoring form before running into the South African side and disappointingly find themselves in the 5th - 8th place playoffs. I just think it's a little out of the element for these Eastern European sides to be playing an African side, and it's shown. South Africa, at least, has had the benefit of playing these sides for four games now, having not lost yet. I'm going to take **South Africa PK (Draw No Bet, AH 0.0) @ 1.72**


*African Cup of Nations: South Africa vs Senegal*


Truthfully, the Over 2 in this game could have been the Pick of The Day and probably should be the Joint Pick of The Day. I know South African soccer inside and out, and it's been the same issues for the last while. They create so many chances because of their agility and ability to play quickly in limited space, they lack the finishing ability that should see them be amongst the top teams in Africa, and they turn off defensively at times. Their first game against Algeria was one they should have won. They dominated the Algerians creating many point blank chances, and even missed a penalty. They hit two cross bars, and were guilty of wasting chances when it seemed harder to miss the net then to score. The Senegalese will have the returning Saido Mane for this match, and he is going to add to an already impressive attack. Senegal turned the screws on Ghana in the second half and really showed their attacking menace. However, their downfall, as it's been for some time, is always going to be defensively. Because South Africa need to win this game, as they are in the same situation as Ghana, I expect a very open game. South Africa have the ability to create many chances against a slow Senegalese defense, and the inability of the South African defense to concentrate for 90 minutes, combined with the quality of the Senegalese attack spells goals. **I love the Over 2 Goals @ 1.81 in this match.** I also think South Africa will get a point here. Senegal would begrudgingly settle for a draw, and I expect the South African's to find even more joy offensively against Senegal compared to Algeria. I'm going to go for **South Africa +.5 @ 1.80**, but would not hold it against anyone for avoiding this bet. It's certainly the riskiest of the set I've proposed, as Senegal has more quality, but I've just been impressed by the South African's of late.

 

[KingsleyComan93]

*African Cup of Nations: Mali vs Ivory Coast*

Before Ivory Coast's last match, I said that they have shown nothing pre-tournament to lead me to believe that they are going to live up to their promise. I also said, that Gervinho was their only consistent attacking threat, and without him, they have no one who is capable of penetrating the opposition 18 yard box and creating more than half chances. Well, Gervinho stupidly slapped a Guinea player, and is now suspended for the rest of the Group Stage. In a similar vein, I just can't back Ivory Coast anymore. He was the only reason I gave them half a chance, and without him, I just think they are going to continue their complacent play where they think someone else will score the goal for them. The players aren't taking an initiative. Mali looked very capable in their 1-1 draw with Cameroon, and actually should have won. A 84th minute strike by Cameroon ended up forcing the Malians to settle for a point, but they created plenty of chances and looked sound at the back. A Mali victory would not surprise me at all, so I have no qualms with taking them +.5. Until Ivory Coast demonstrate why they should be considered favorites, I'm going to bet against them. I'm going to take **Mali +.5 @ 2.10**. Due to the impotency of Ivory Coast, however, **My Pick of The Day is Under 2.5 Goals @ 1.70**


*African Cup of Nations: Cameroon vs Guinea*


To me, the most impressive performer on Cameroon's team in their game against Mali was their goalkeeper, Fabrice Ondoa. That's not meant as a slight to their performance, rather, its an observation about the quality that the 19 year old from Barcelona possesses. He certainly looks like a future big money transfer. Now, Cameroon has quality throughout their lineup, most people know that. I want to draw attention to Aboubakar, who always seems to make something happen. While their 1-1 draw with Mali was not ideal, the Cameroon side know that a victory against Guinea is absolutely imperative if they are to qualify. If they fail to win, they will need to secure victory against the Group favourites, Ivory Coast. I think they will struggle here today, however. Guinea is one of those names that you can't help but underestimate, especially when they are playing an African powerhouse like Cameroon. That being said, they are actually a damn good team. They have a ton of quality, and can generate scoring chances with the best of teams. They held Ivory Coast to a point, and only settled for the draw due to a Doumbia equalizer. If you don't believe me about the quality of Guinea, check out their roster and where these players play. Many of them are European quality, and they play much more like a team than Cameroon do. Cameroon, however, are a lot better than they were at the World Cup. I still don't see a reason why they should be heavy favourites against Guinea. I'm going to take **Guinea +.5 @ 1.92**

 

[KingsleyComan93]

And boom boom boom, let me see ya go 3-0 hey ohhhh

 

[KingsleyComan93]

After a 3-0 day yesterday in AFCON, I'm excited for some more international action as well as a Belgium Pro League match:

*Belgium Pro League: Anderlecht At Standard Liege*


Both of these teams will be a little disappointed with how their respective campaigns have gone thus far, as these two traditional title rivals will hope that their second game have the winter break can be a springboard for greater success. Anderlecht are currently second place in the table, 2 points behind leaders Club Brugge. Standard Liege are seventh, but are only four points out of third. Standard Liege lost a ton of quality before the season started, but they've begun to find their feet. They've had some massively disappointing results so far at home, but the pressure they face from their fans forces them to attack somewhat. Standard, traditionally, have always been able to outscore their opponents at home. That's become a bit more of an issue this year as they've lost defensive lynchpin Mangala, and there is some concern over who is their first choice goalkeeper. It's great for us that Standard attack a lot when they are at home, because Anderlecht possess a very quick side that is tremendous on the counter attack. Anderlecht have a variety of attacking weapons, and I would not be surprised to see them run out winners here today. The reason I give pause to the thought of backing them is because they are a very young side, albeit young and full of potential. They crack when they are pressurized defensively, and I expect Standard to have joy on that front as well. Either way, it's a formula for goals. **My Pick of The Day is Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.81**


*Commonwealth of Independent States: Kazakhstan u21 vs Tajikistan u21*


I'm a big proponent of Kazakh soccer, and had some joy backing their sides in the early stages of both the Europa League and Champions League Qualifiers. They've got some quality in their ranks and are starting to develop some good players. Tajikistan? Well, I know nothing about them. I can't even claim to have watched any of their games this tournament, but the results are not inspiring. Tajikistan actually beat Kazakhstan in the round robin of this tournament, but I see the result flip flopping today. The fact that Kazakhstan held semifinal losers' Belarus, and only lost out on penalties, is extremely impressive to me. I'd argue that Belarus were much better than South Africa in the semis, and South Africa is probably the favorite to win the whole thing. Tajikistan were just a bump in the road to South Africa and lost out 3-1. While this isn't the most well researched bet, I must say that the form chart is giving me confidence. I'm going to take **Kazakhstan u21 Draw No Bet (PK, AH 0.0) @ 1.80**


*Commonwealth of Independent States: South Africa u21 vs Finland u21*


I doubt many would have thought these two teams, the invites to this Eastern Bloc tournament, would comprise the final. Nevertheless, both sides have been the most consistently impressive thus far. South Africa are undefeated so far, and the only team that Finland lost to was Belarus, the team that South Africa needed penalties to beat. On a whole, it must be said, that South Africa has been the best team in the tournament. Finland have been impressive, yes, but they've also given up goals against teams they shouldn't concede to. I would state that Belarus was either the best or second best team in the tournament, and South Africa was lucky to beat them, but they did eventually. Finland are a step below. I've talked quite a bit about how the South Africans have a bit of an advantage in that they are a very foreign side for many of these teams to be facing. The Africans are extremely quick on the ball and very technically skilled. The issue for them, as for the senior team, is that they can turn off mentally for portions of the game. That's what happened when Belarus scored to take the lead in the semi finals. It was harmless wing play that, thanks to some haphazard defense, lead to a point blank chance inside the 18. I don't think the South Africans will lose in regulation today, so I love the look of Draw No Bet, but i think they are likely victors. I'm going to take **South Africa u21 Draw No Bet (PK, AH 0.0) @ 1.70**


*African Cup of Nations: Congo vs Burkina Faso*


I definitely did not think that, after two rounds of games, that Burkina Faso would be propping of the table and Congo leading. Full credit to Congo, however, as they played very well in both games. They dealt with the pressure of opening up the tournament against the hosts as they secured a 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea, and they absorbed constant pressure against Gabon before grabbing the counter attacking goal they needed to win the game. Burkina Faso have been extremely disappointing thus far, unfortunately for them. They lost 2-0 against Gabon in a game they dominated, and drew with Equatorial Guinea, again, in a game that they dominated. They have scored zero goals in the tournament so far. Still, there's a reason they are favorites tonight despite not having scored yet. They are packed full of quality and have created a ton of chances. Now, their backs are against the wall, and a win may not even see them through. Personally, I think they are the best "team" in this group and have the most quality, but they just have not made it count. Congo are a good team and have the experienced Le Roy as their manager. They are, however, short of the type of quality that Burkina Faso possess. I think Burkina Faso have struggled because they have not pressed enough. Now, with a victory a must, they have to attack. I'm going to back **Burkina Faso to win @ 2.23**


*African Cup of Nations: Gabon vs Equatorial Guinea*


I've been very impressed by Equatorial Guinea so far, and their two draw sees them in with a chance to qualify for the Quarter Finals. They have played committed defense, and the likes of Nsue and Kike have offered solid attacking outlets. They get forward as a team, perhaps a little recklessly, and work their socks off defensively. If this was the second game of the round robin, I may even have backed them. They have a major obstacle facing them today though, in that they must beat Gabon in order to qualify. Gabon is currently second in the group, and one point ahead of Equatorial Guinea, so even a draw won't see Equatorial Guinea through. I think Equatorial Guinea are a good side, but they don't look like one that is capable of carrying the attacking play. They are much more comfortable on the counter attack, and that's not the style they can play today. Gabon don't have to win today, but must be wary that a win by Burkina Faso and a draw by Gabon will see Gabon out. So, they kind of have to try and win as the other game is being played at the same time. Gabon aren't a very good attacking side when they need to break down a stubborn opponent. Today, though, they will be facing an opponent that needs to throw men forward. That should be easy pickings for a Gabon side that is great at counter attacking, due to the pace they possess. I think we are going to see a gem of a game by Aubameyang today as he should have a lot more space than he will have seen thus far in the tournament. I'm going to take **Gabon to win @ 2.10**

 

[KingsleyComan93]

*African Cup of Nations: South Africa vs Ghana*


Both of these teams are in a difficult spot, with only a win giving them a good chance of qualifying for the next round. Ghana could get through with a draw if Senegal beat Algeria, and South Africa needs to win to have any chance. Even if they do win, they need a loss from Algeria to ensure qualification. The South African manager seems to think they can qualify for the next round with a draw from Algeria and a convincing South African win as they could have a higher goal differential. I do not share this sentiment as I believe results between the two teams would first come into play, and Algeria beat South Africa. It would be laughable if tiebreakers came into play and the South African manager was incorrect, as South Africa erroneously believed they qualified for the World Cup in 2014, but were denied by goal differential as they interpreted the rules incorrectly. Back to the match, I expect this to be a pretty open affair. Both teams are going to go for the win. South Africa, as I have detailed, have a tendency to lose concentration at the back and concede. It's happened in every game so far, where elementary defensive mistakes were made. They have a worry at central defense where 18 year old RIvaldo Coetzee is dealing with a knee injury, and Hlatshwayo is ruled out with a concussion. Coetzee may start, and if he does he will be far from 100%, but Gcaba could go in his place. Gcaba is not a natural center back, and it showed against Senegal. Additionally, defensive midfielder and captain Furman is dealing with a hamstring knock, so who knows if he can keep up his combative play. Ghana are full of players who are individually brilliant, but they aren't playing like a team. They are pretty lucky to even have a chance to qualify, but here they are, and a win guarantees them progression. They will have to go for it in this game, and I think that will serve them well. They are a team full of great attackers, yet tend to employ a more European possession based style. It doesn't work for them, and puts their defense under duress. Truthfully, their defense is quite vulnerable, and I expect the South Africans to play a much more attacking style. Anyone who has watched them thus far, knows that they have created many chances, and I expect that to continue against the weakest defensive opponent they will face. Any result in this game will not surprise me, but there will be at least two goals. Both of these teams need to go for it and are shit at the back. **I'm going to take Over 2 Goals @ 1.92 as My Pick of The Day**. I also fancy South Africa to get at least a draw, so I'm going to take **South Africa +.5 @ 1.77**



*African Cup of Nations: Senegal vs Algeria*


In their two previous Group games, Algeria have offered a patient attack, while playing a seemingly rigid defensive structure. The reality is that they have looked rather lethargic, both at the back and at the front, and as a result, the number one team in Africa need a result to progress through to the next round. The only result that will ensure they get through is a convincing win. Even if they win by one, and Ghana beats South Africa by two, Ghana will go through thanks to the head to head record between the two. A draw, and a win by Ghana or South Africa could have them lose. Senegal, easily the most impressive team in the Group thus far sit only one point clear of needing potential tie breakers to get through. They lead the group with four points, so a loss to Algeria could see them out. A draw, however, is enough to get them through. Anybody who has followed me lately knows that I'm a massive Algeria fan, and have backed them to an extraordinary record thus far. Unfortunately, there is just something missing from the team in this tournament. They were fortunate against South Africa, and were very complacent against Ghana. Now, they also have to deal with an injury to star striker Slimani. It's not clear if he will play, but at a minimum, he is far from 100%. Against Ghana, Algeria had to deploy the slumbering Belfodil, and a reoccurrence would not be a surprise. Belfodil is an aerial threat with his towering height, but he is far from fleet of foot and does not possess the skill of his contemporary Peter Crouch. Senegal have really impressed me so far. I had a very good feeling they would get out of the Group as I did not really rate Ghana, but I did not think they would be leading the Group after two. They have quality throughout their lineup, and possess more athleticism than Ghana does. If you watched South Africa vs Algeria, you noticed that it was exactly that athleticism that allowed the South Africans to tear Algeria apart defensively. I think the Senegalese will have similar success, except, that they possess much more quality. They have a lot of belief and great squad harmony. I simply have to possess the West Africans. I have a very hard time seeing them lose. I'm going to take **Senegal PK (Draw No Bet, AH 0.0) @ 2.11**


*Coppa Italia: AC Milan vs Lazio*


I'm going to place this bet, but I'm only going to do half a unit until I have an opportunity to see the line-ups that both teams will deploy. I expect AC Milan to go all out here and play their strongest XI as they are unlikely to contend for anything else. Additionally, Manager Inzaghi is on the verge of getting fired. Tactically and management wise, he seems over his head. To add to his troubles, El Shaarawy has been ruled out with a foot injury for at least 6 weeks. Still, they possess a ton of quality, and Suso is likely to make his debut. These two sides met three days ago in Rome, with Lazio running out 3-1 victors. If Lazio play a strong lineup, they have a very good chance at winning again. Simply, they play as a team whereas Milan play as if they are confused. Things have changed a little for Lazio in the last few days, however, as they have lost two of their most potent attacking threats to injury in Djordjevic and Anderson. Manager Inzaghi has to ensure he does not lose this game. Another loss could be catastrophic to his future as the Manager of Milan. I don't expect them to play conservatively, especially not at home, but they need to ensure they don't concede. That, coupled with the losses that Lazio have suffered of late, and the fact that their last game had four goals only three days ago and will be fresh in the mind of bettors leads me to think this will be a lower scoring tilt. I'm going to take **Under 2.5 Goals @ 1.80**