The first Derby della Capitale of the 2021/22 Serie A season takes place on Sunday, with Lazio and Roma going head-to-head at the famous Stadio Olimpico.
Having won four of their opening five league games this term, Roma find themselves fourth in the standings – three points behind first-place Roma.
On the flip side, Lazio sit seventh – four points behind Roma – after picking up two wins and two draw, as well as a loss.
Lazio kicked off the campaign with back-to-back wins, beating Empoli 3-1 on the opening weekend before thrashing Spezia 6-1.
Since then, however, they have failed to win any of their previous three league games – losing to AC Milan before drawing with both Cagliari and Torino.
Thanks to their high-scoring start to the season, only two teams – Napoli and Inter – have netted more goals than Lazio this term.
Yet, as they head into the first Derby della Capitale of the season, they find themselves on a four-match winless streak in all competitions.
As he so often is, Ciro Immoblie was Lazio’s savior last time out. The prolific striker bagged a 91st-minute penalty to a rescue a 1-1 draw with Torino on Thursday.
Roma also played on Thursday, although they enjoyed a victory over Udinese. Tammy Abraham scored the only goal of the game midway through the first half.
The former Chelsea striker has notched three goals and two assists since swapping the English capital for the Italian capital.
Roma have only lost one of their opening five Serie A matches under new boss Jose Mourinho, securing four wins in the process.
Just like Lazio, Roma have also netted 12 league goals this term. However, they boast a better defensive record than their rivals.
Head-to-head: Roma have only managed to win one of their previous five Serie A meetings with Lazio, recording two draws and two losses along the way.
Both sides picked up a clean sheet win in this fixture last season, with Lazio winning 3-0 and Roma winning 2-0.
It is also worth pointing out that five red cards have been shown in the last 11 Derby della Capitales in Serie A.
Team news: Lazio will be without injured pair Bobby Adekanye (meniscal) and Mattia Zaccagni (hamstring) for Sunday’s clash.
Roma also have two injuries absentees at the moment, with Leonardo Spinazzola (achilles) and Matias Vina (knee) on the treatment table.
As is customary, Sunday’s Derby della Capitale is likely to produce goals. That said, in-form Roma are expected to come out on top.
Forebet predicts that Roma will edge out Lazio in a thriller, with over 4.5 goals being scored on the night.