Unlike the last season when they started out in a catastrophic manner, and then quickly improved, Sampdoria started fantastic at the beginning of this season. After a win against Inter, they even managed to get to the top of the tables at one point. However, after that a serious downfall in their form had followed. Now they’re on a 3-game losing streak and team atmosphere is pretty bad. The rumors came out that there have been some strong disagreements in the locker-room and the squad is divided in two sections. Captain Palombo has been denying such news, but their performances prove that not everything is alright. Cassano is in bad form, and during the week he also created an incident by fighting against one of the fans during the practice. So, the atmosphere is really bad and coach Del Neri has a tough task of fixing all the problems as soon as possible and to make his team play like they did at the start of the championship. The good news for the Genoa side is that they’ve got no injury worries and coach Del Neri will be able to field his best squad which is the following: Castellazzi; Stankevicius, Gastaldello, M. Rossi, Ziegler; Mannini, Palombo, Poli, Padalino; Pazzini, Cassano.
A rise
Roma, unlike Samp, started the season poorly. They began with 2 defeats and then continued with the bad displays, so the board had to change their coach Spalleti. Ranieri was hired and that began bringing good results immediately. Roma is playing better and better, and in the last 3 league games they recorded only wins. Ranieri has changed their team tactics quite a bit, and Roma started playing much more offensive – using a 4-3-3 system. Now Roma is just one spot away from a CL spot for the next season and will be looking to find themselves there as soon as possible. A good thing for Roma is the return of their captain Totti to the lineup. With him on the pitch, that’s a totally different team. For the game in Genoa, Ranieri won’t be able to count on Mexes and Pizarro, so the lineup could be the following: Julio Sergio; Cassetti, Burdisso, Juan, Riise; Taddei, De Rossi, Brighi; Perrotta; Vucinic, Totti.
Derby
Although the Sunday’s clash is a meeting of two teams in totally different moods and forms, it’s still very hard to predict the final outcome. We’re talking about two really quality sides. There’s no doubt Sampdoria will have to get out of their crisis at one point and again play at their usual level. Will the game vs. Roma be the time for the return, we’ll see this Sunday evening. Anyhow, I’m skipping betting on a final outcome here and will try with the bet on the over. Both sides have been playing pretty open and attacking, and that guarantees plenty of goal-scoring chances and hopefully goals. The over 2.5 bet shouldn’t have too many problems coming in.
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Prediction:
Tip: Over 2.5
Odd: 1.87
Bookie: Bet365
Stake: 7 /10
Tipster: Kather
