Sampdoria failed to maintain the high level of their performances from the start of the season, and that affected their results quite a lot. In the last 6 matches in the league, they won only once and slipped from the 2nd to the 5th place in the standings. It’s necessary they wake up as soon as possible, or else they will quickly end up in the bottom part of the tables, which nobody in the club wants, of course. Coach Luigi Del Neri is disappointed with their latest performances, and stated the matches against Bari and Cagliari showed some really big weaknesses in their squad. The offense used to be the best part of the team, but it seems that’s no longer the case. In Del Neri’s view, a cause for that is somewhat worse play of their midfielders. If Cassano and Pazzini don’t get good passes and have to work harder for the goal-scoring chances, then Sampdoria’s results will start getting worse and worse. That’s why this coach expects much more from his midfield, especially from Palombo and Poli. A chance to make things better is coming this Sunday already, as Chievo is the perfect opponent. “The Donkeys” are playing well and are in the mid-table. They won’t have too much desire in this game, so Sampdoria could easily take all 3 points with just a bit better play. The squad is facing a lot of injury and suspension problems. Stankevicius won’t play due to the red card, while Padalino and Semiolo have still not recovered. That means Del Neri won’t be able to make many changes, so we can expect the following lineup: Castellazzi; Cacciatore, Gastaldello, Rossi, Accardi; Mannini, Palombo, Poli, Ziegler; Pazzini, Cassano.
More than solid
Everybody’s very satisfied in Chievo’s squad with their start in the new season. They’re in the middle of the tables and have already created quite a large point gap compared to the clubs in the relegation zone. The team is playing tough and confident. They don’t impress in the offense or defense, but are reaching the desired results. It’s interested that they have a lot better record on the road than at home. They’re doing much better when attacked by the opponents than when they have to play offensively. Coach Di Carlo stated he’s very pleased with what they’ve achieved so far and would be very happy if they would get back from Genoa with one point in their pocket. The fact is Sampdoria is in poor form and it just depends on Chievo whether they’ll use their chances or not. Another fact is Chievo has got some big injury worries as Moro, Rigoni, Bogdani and Frey won’t play. Di Carlo believes the team that will be fielded will still be able to get the results they need, and the following eleven are expected: Sorrentino; Sardo, Mandelli, Yepes, Mantovani; Luciano, Iori, Marcolini; Pinzi; Granoche, Pellissier.
How will they play?
If this match was on the schedule a few rounds ago, everybody would surely be predicting a home win. However, Sampdoria has been in a downtrend since then, while Chievo is constantly improving their form. The hosts are still the more quality side, but it’s questionable will they finally be able to get back to their old level of play from the start of the season. If they manage to do that, I believe they will take new points. But, if we’ll be watching the poor Sampdoria that didn’t even have a decent shot on target in the previous 180 minutes, then it’s very likely “the Donkeys” will get back from Luigi Ferraris happy. Nevertheless, it’s very unlikely to believe Cassano and Pazzini will again bore themselves on the pitch. I expect goals from them this time, and since the guests can surely score as well, I am gonna suggest you a bet on the over 2.5.
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Prediction:
Tip: Over 2.5
Odd: 2.09
Bookie: Bet365
Stake: 7 /10
Tipster: Kather
