Bologna vs Lazio, Preview: Rossoblu look to enjoy more home comforts

Although inconsistent on the road, Bologna have won their last three home games. Both Milan teams are the only clubs who have left Bologna with maximum points so far this season.

The Rossoblu are tied with Palermo and Pescara near the foot of the table and lie just two points above the relegation trap door. Similarly, Lazio are also neck and neck with Fiorentina and Roma as the battle for fourth place intensifies.

The visitors are in good form and come into this game on the back of two home victories. A midweek win at Maribor also saw the Biancocelesti advance in the Europa League as winners of Group J.

Lazio experimented with a 3-4-3 formation at Maribor, but are expected to revert back to a 4-1-4-1.

Miroslav Klose has healed quicker than expected from an ankle injury, but is rated 50/50 to start. Should the German fail to play, then Libor Kozak will get the nod. The same applies to Federico Marchetti, with Albano Bizzarri on stand-by and ready to continue deputising in goal.

Bologna will be without injured quartet Henry Gimenez, Gianluca Curci, Cesare Natali and Roberto Acquafresca.

Last week's matchwinner Manolo Gabbiadini is suspended, but Archimede Morleo returns from his ban.

Alberto Gilardino will be looking to add to his six Serie A strikes, while teammate Alessandro Diamanti is one goal behind him.

The injury-prone Ederson has picked up another knock and joins Abdoulay Konko, Andre Dias, Cristian Brocchi, Mauro Zarate, Sergio Floccari and Tommaso Rocchi on the Lazio sidelines.

Cristian Ledesma is one booking away from a suspension for the visitors. With a crunch game at home to Inter looming, the Lazio midfielder will need to watch his step.

Klose (nine) and Hernanes (six) have been the main goal threats so far for the Eagles.

Lazio have won two out of the last three games held in Bologna. However, neither side has managed to do the double in the previous two campaigns, splitting two victories each. Both teams met at the Olimpico back in March, with Bologna running out 3-1 winners.

Bologna injuries and suspensions

Out: Henry Gimenez, Gianluca Curci, Cesare Natali and Roberto Acquafresca (injured) Manolo Gabbiadini (suspended)

Lazio injuries and suspensions

Out: Abdoulay Konko, Andre Dias, Cristian Brocchi, Ederson, Mauro Zarate, Sergio Floccari, Tommaso Rocchi (injured) In doubt: Federico Marchetti, Miroslav Klose

Match Date/Time: Monday December 10th 2012, 9 p.m. local, 3 p.m. ET

Venue: Stadio Renato Dall'Ara, Bologna, Italy

TV: Premium Calcio, Sky Calcio 1 (Italy) beIN Sport en Espanol, RAI Internazionale, beIN Sport (U.S.), ESPN (U.K.)