After somewhat poorer start in the championship, Plaermo has turned their engines on and is moving forwards. Coach Zenga was criticized after a few bad performances, and those critiques got their mouth shut after two consecutive wins. Zenga says that things are going the way he planned and Palermo will be playing even better in the upcoming period. Something like that will be necessary, as their club ambitions are big. They’re currently at the 7th spot in the standings, and are playing partially good at home. They haven’t been defeated in front of their home fans and have a 2-2-0 record. They expect that score to get even better, as Udinese, who is in crisis, is arriving to their ground. A problem for Zenga will be the absence if the defender Kjaer, who is suspended. The young Dane has been their best defender this season so far, and his missing will be very hard to overcome. Beside him, a few other players will miss out like Tedesco, Liverani and Mchedlidze, but they won’t ruin Zenga’s plans too much. The lineup could look like the following: Sirigu; Cassani, Goian, Bovo, Balzaretti; Bresciano, Migliaccio, Simplicio; Pastore; Cavani, Miccoli.
Crisis
After a very solid start, Udinese has entered crisis and suffered defeats in their last two matches. Everybody in the club was disappointed with such an outcome, and the information leaked how club president Pozzo is dissatisfied with coach Marino’s tactics and potential coaching change is about to happen. The 4-4-2 tactics, who was forced by Marino since the beginning of the season, has stopped producing results so something will have to be urgently changed. A good result in Palermo is necessary in order to get the peace back to the squad. The most important piece of info for Udinese before this game is the return of their best player Di Natale. Their best striker has fully recovered and will start from minute one. Floro Flores is also ready, so he will take his place in the attack as well. Ferronetti and Obodo are still sidelined, and Marino won’t be able to count on them in this game. The following eleven has been announced: Handanovic; Basta, Coda, Domizzi, Lukovic; Sanchez, D’Agostino, Inler, Pepe; Floro Flores, Di Natale.
Shootaround
Although the hosts’ form and a very hostile home ground clearly speak in their favor, I still wouldn’t dare to fade Udinese here. The visitors are, despite the crisis, a very unpleasant squad ready to surprise any opponent. Both sides are playing totally open and attacking, so the goals shouldn’t miss out at this game. Three goals seem very reachable, while I’d even suggest over 3.5 for the braver ones.
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Prediction:
Tip: Over 2.75
Odd: 1.98
Bookie: Bet365
Stake: 7 /10
Tipster: Kather
