Bologna vs Juventus preview

March 15, 2013
By: Nemanja Lazarevic

Juventus vs BolognaHigh-flying Bologna will be looking for their fourth successive victory when they take on Serie A leaders Juventus, who recorded a last-gasp victory at home against Catania to pull nine points clear at the top of the standings.

Bologna may have spent much of the current league campaign near the relegation zone, but, in all fairness, this team have been showing a lot of potential from the very start of the season.

Their solid displays were not always properly rewarded, but things fell into place at the turn of the year, allowing the Felsinei to start climbing the league standings.

Bologna recorded three straight victories to climb to the top half of the table, beating Fiorentina and Cagliari at home before bringing all three points from Giuseppe Meazza, meaning they are brimming with confidence ahead of the clash with Juventus.

This may be a long shot, but it is worth noting Felsinei are 6.00 (5/1) at Coral to make it four victories on the bounce.

Boss Stefano Pioli will have important midfielder Panagiotis Kone back from suspension, while star striker Alberto Gilardino should start after recovering from a thigh injury.

Frederik Sorensen is doubtful with an ankle problem, while long-term worry Cesare Natali is not yet ready to return.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Curci – Garics, Antonson, Cherubin, Morleo – Perez, Taider – Kone, Diamanti, Gabbiadini – Gilardino.

Juventus are cruising towards the league title at the moment, but we cannot really say that is entirely up to them.

The Bianconeri have been far from impressive in recent weeks, winning two of last four games, but, nonetheless, managed to take advantage of Napoli’s slip-ups to extend their lead at the top to nine points.

Injury-time winner against Catania could prove crucial in the Serie A title race and is likely to allow the Old Lady to fully focus on their Champions League campaign.

However, they first need to try and bring maximum points from Renato Dal’Ara, which is not going to be easy given that the Bianconeri have been largely struggling on the road of late.

After winning just one of last four away games in Serie A, Juventus are 1.70 (7/10) with Paddy Power to record their ninth away victory of the campaign.

Having scored just four goals during that period, the Bianconeri are 2.00 (1/1) at Sportingbet to score under 1.5 goals in this match.

Paul Pogba and Arturo Vidal return from injury and suspension respectively, but Nicklas Bendtner, Martin Caceres and Simone Pepe remain on the sidelines.

Probable starting line-up (3-5-2): Buffon – Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini – Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah – Vucinic, Matri.

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