This game will mark the return of Antonio Conte following a four-month suspension and the presence of master tactician should give Juventus plenty of motives to extend the good run of results. Palermo, on the other hand, are dangerously close to the relegation zone, but a match against league leaders is hardly a perfect opportunity to add some points to their tally.

Miccoli and Donati return

Despite being involved in the race for European places just few years ago, Palermo have been on the major downtrend of late and they do look like genuine relegation strugglers at the moment. The Rosanero did sign a number of players in the summer to reinforce the squad following 16th-place finish in Serie A, but only Steven von Bergen, Franco Brienza and Samir Ujkani have proved to be genuine reinforcements. While failing to find a cure for their travel sickness (0-2-6 away record), the Rosanero have done well to record 3 wins, 3 draws and a defeat in seven home games, but having lost 3-0 in their only home game against a top 6 side, Palermo are likely to struggle in their attempt to match high-flying Juventus. The return of Fabrizio Miccoli and Massimo Donati is seen as a huge boost, but it is more than evident the hosts lack the quality needed to mix it up with the best Serie A sides.

Abel Hernandez and Andrea Mantovani are the only players unavailable for selection, as Miccolin and Donati return to the starting line-up.

Antonio Conte is back

Having seriously reinforced the squad that won the Serie A title last season, Juventus were rightly seen as the only serious title contenders this term. The big squad of quality players allowed boss Antonio Conte to keep team’s performances at a very high level in both Serie A and Champions League campaigns, with the Bianconeri impressing on all fronts this season. The away win over very good Shakhtar side ensured Juventus a first place in one of the toughest Champions League groups, meaning they can now fully focus on increasing their advantage at the top of the league standings. This may be a perfect opportunity to do so given that their title rivals Inter and Napoli face each other on Sunday evening. With Antonio Conte finally returning to the dugout following a four-month ban, the Bianconeri can be trusted to improve their 5-1-1 record on the travels.

Sebastian Giovinco misses out through suspension, while Lucio and Nicklas Bendtner are doubtful. Giorgio Chiellini, Stephan Lichtsteiner and Kwadwo Asamoah are likely to be rested.

Verdict

Palermo may have done well at their Renzo Barbera against bottom table and mid table sides, but this will be a whole different ball game. Juventus are flying high after the 1-0 win over Shakhtar and the players are likely to welcome back Antonio Conte with a triumph in Sicily.

Top pick: Away win   1.73 (8/11) @ BetVictor

Alternative pick 1: Over 2.5 goals   1.83 (5/6) @ Stan James

Alternative pick 2: Juventus/Juventus   2.50 (3/2) @ Coral