Mike’s picks

Lazio’s realistic prospect at this point is reaching the Uefa Europa League next season as they are one position away from securing a play-off spot.

The Rome-based side are seventh in Italy’s Serie A and the side known as The Sky Blues will host Empoli at the Stadio Olimpico tonight.

The biggest concern for head coach Simone Inzaghi is that their home record has not been great halfway through the campaign.

Having played half of their 22 games at home, Lazio have only won five times, collecting just 18 points in total on their own patch, with three losses and as many draws.

The positive, however, is that Lazio have never lost in their own back yard to Empoli.

Empoli are separated by a single point from the relegation zone. Their seven-match winless run in the league does not help their cause and they have conceded the most goals (44) with Chievo.

Also, on the road Empoli have no wins, five draws and six defeats. It looks unlikely they can outsmart Lazio. Pool name: S6 V1 P1

M1: Lazio v Empoli. Comfortable win for hosts. Tip: Lazio win = 1 M2: Guingamp v Olympique Lyonnais. Share of spoils. Tip: Draw = 2. M3: Americano v Londrina. Home side will win. Tip: Americano win = 1. M4: Ferroviario AC v Corinthians. Victory for the travellers. Tip: Corinthians win = 3. M5: Wilstermann v Real Potosi. Joy for the hosts. Tip: Wilstermann win = 1. M6: Brisbane Roar v Sydney FC. A goalless draw.

Tip: Draw = 2.