There shouldn’t be many words spent on how big of a significance this derby has for both sides. Both Genoa and Samp would give away much more than 3 points in other matches for a win in the local derby. In the last season, Genoa celebrated both times, mostly thanks to excellent Milito, who scored all 4 goals for his team (1:0, 3:1). Milito’s no longer there, but that doesn’t mean Genoa isn’t ready for yet another triumph. The red-blues are playing in quite a variable form and are pretty unpredictable. Coach Gasperini says he isn’t satisfied with the way things have been going on and thinks his club has got a lot more potential that their current 7th place is showing. The biggest problem has been their defense, which is the worst in the whole league. It’s incredible that such a quality team conceded as many as 24 goals in 13 matches. Their club president Preziosi says he is hoping for yet another win and that even a draw in the local derby won’t make him happy. Gasperini still has got some injured players on the roster, as Jankovic, Juric, Kharja and Papastathopoulos still can’t play. Suspended Mesto also won’t be there, so the lineup could look like this: Amelia; Biava, Moretti, Bocchetti; Modesto, Zapater, Milanetto, Criscito; Palacio, Crespo, Palladino.
A special match
Sampdoria has started the season really well, and then dropped in form, while they’re currently in the stabilization phase. Everybody is very pleased with what they’ve achieved so far, and club president Garrone said he is proud at some of his team’s results, especially about the win over Inter. Everybody’s stating that the match vs. Genoa hasn’t got anything to do with the position in the standings and the current form. This match represents much more, and a win in it can mark a turnaround in the season for any of the rivals. Coach Delneri is hoping for a good result and believes a win could additionally motivate his players in the tough upcoming matches. A bad series has been ended with a win over Chievo, and now a new, good series could be started with a win in the local derby. There’s no doubt Sampdoria has a team for something like that. Their offense is the best part of their team, and bad Genoa’s attack will be having a lot of problems stopping Cassano and Pazzini. Long-term absent Semioli and Tissone are still sidelined. Stankevicius is back to the team from suspension so the lineup could be the following: Castellazzi; Stankevicius, Gastaldello, Rossi, Ziegler; Mannini, Palombo, Poli, Padalino; Pazzini, Cassano.
Attacking
Both teams are forcing extremely offensive playing style and it’s very unlikely it won’t be the same this time again. Although both teams have got some extraordinary individuals on their roster, the overall quality of these two rival is very even. I expect that both nets will shake multiple times, so the most logical bet should be the over 2.5. The odds around 2.00 are very tempting, while it would be worth also trying with the over 3.5 if you manage to find the odds that are decent enough.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Prediction:
Tip: Over 2.5
Odd: 2.00
Bookie: Bet365
Stake: 7 /10
Tipster: Kather
