Genoa vs Cagliari

April 18, 2014
By: Nemanja Lazarevic

Following yet another terribly unfortunate defeat, Genoa will be looking to finally return to winning ways and ensure they end this season on a high. Cagliari appear to have secured Serie A survival in spite of some under-par performances, but I am afraid they won’t be able to match the Rossoblu at Stadio Luigi Ferraris.

Unfortunate Genoa

Considering the quality of the players at club’s disposal, many were surprised to see Genoa fighting for their lives last season, and if the club management hadn’t sacked Fabio Liverani early on this term, the team would probably have been in a very difficult situation at the moment. Nonetheless, the return of Gian Piero Gasperini helped the Rossoblu return to the right track, with the team now destined for a mid table finish. Genoa have been producing some very good performances since they virtually secured league survival, with 1-1 draw at Parma and 2-0 win over Lazio the perfect proof. The 2-0 loss at Hellas Verona was probably the only under-par display of late, even if they are currently on a three-match losing run. However, the fact the Rossoblu completely outclassed AC Milan despite losing 2-1, while also playing some great football away against Torino, only to concede two injury-time goals, is enough to suggest Gian Piero Gasperini’s charges have been incredibly unlucky of late. However, with their recent performances being at a very high level and the team under no pressure having already ensured survival, home game against out-of-sorts Cagliari will feel as a perfect opportunity to return to the right track.

Star striker Alberto Gilardino is back after he was rested against Torino, while Sime Vrsaljko also returns. Juraj Kucka, Matuzalem, Ricardo Centurion and Emanuele Calaio are out injured.

Disappointing season for Cagliari

Over the past few years Cagliari managed to establish themselves as a genuine mid table side and they were never really in danger of getting relegated. However, the team’s performances this season left a lot to be desired and if the likes of Livorno, Sassuolo and Catania hadn’t been so disappointing, the Isolani would probably be fighting for their lives at the moment. Nevertheless, the mere fact Ivo Pulga’s side have amassed 33 points from as many league fixtures is enough to suggest they haven’t really been playing to their potential, with the team winning just 3 of last 18 league matches. Cagliari could do little to avoid back to back defeats to Torino and AS Roma, but the lucky draw they achieved at Sassuolo is likely to guarantee them Serie A survival seeing as how Isolani currently sit eight points clear of the relegation zone. Even so, the fact they were completely outplayed by weak Sassuolo will not keep them in good stead for the clash at Stadio Luigi Ferraris, especially with quite a few first team regulars missing through injury.

Nene and Mauricio Pinilla are back to the side, but Nicola Murru, Daniele Dessena, Albin Ekdal, Matias Vecino and Adryan are out injured.

Verdict

Genoa may have lost last three league games, but their performances have been pretty impressive of late and I believe they should be backed to defeat sorry Cagliari. Isolani were completely outplayed in last three fixtures and with some key men missing, another defeat on the road looks on the cards.

Top pick: Home win   2.30 (13/10) @ Betfred

Alternative pick 1: Under 2.5 goals   1.62 (5/8) @ Ladbrokes

Alternative pick 2: Gilardino to score anytime   2.88 (17/9) @ 888sport

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