A swift return into action could prove to be a good thing for Udinese, who are looking to improve on the slow start to the season, whereas Genoa aim to make amends for the goalless draw with Livorno at the weekend.

For several years now, the Zebrette have managed to stay near the top of Italian Serie A despite selling their key men season after season, but it looks as though they won’t be able to repeat the heroics this term.

With Udinese getting weaker and their top 5 rivals much stronger than last term, a difficult season appears on the cards for Francesco Guidolin’s men.

The Friulani have already been eliminated from Europe, while picking up mere four points from as many league matches, so no doubt this is a must-win game for them if they are to avoid slipping into the danger zone.

After the 1-1 draw with Bologna ended team’s five-match winning run at home, Udinese are 1.80 (4/5) at BetVictor to rediscover their home form against Genoa.

Dusan Basta and Thomas Heurtaux have returned into action at the weekend, while Naldo and Widmer are also back in contention.

However, important players Zeljko Brkic, Giampiero Pinzi and Maurizio Domizzi are all sidelined through injury.

Probable starting line-up (3-5-2): Kelava – Heurtaux, Danilo, Bubnjic – Basta, Allan, Badu, Lazzari, Gabriel – Di Natale, Muriel.

Having narrowly avoided the drop last term, Genoa entered the new season with former midfielder Fabio Liverani on the bench, but he hasn’t quite managed to prove the doubters wrong.

While losing the Coppa Italia clash to Spezia, the Rossoblu suffered heavy defeats to Inter and Fiorentina at the start of their league campaign, which meant they went into Derby della Lanterna in poor spirits.

Nevertheless, Genoa produced a stunning performance to beat local rivals Sampdoria 3-0 and they are now hoping to build on that result.

The Rossoblu were unable to extend their winning run as they could only muster a goalless draw with Livorno, but having kept two clean sheets in a row, they are 4.50 (7/2) with Paddy Power to make it three on the bounce.

Key midfielder Juraj Kucka has been dropped due to poor form, but the good news is there are no fresh injury worries for Liverani.

Meanwhile, Giovanni Marchese remains suspended, whereas Luca Antonelli and Stefano Sturaro are both out through injury.

Probable starting line-up (3-5-2): Perin – Manfredini, Portanova, Gamberini – Vrsaljko, Biondini, Lodi, Matuzalem, Antonini – Gilardino, Calaio.

Unbeatable FREE BET Package!

888Sports have just taken free bet promotions to another level! New customers can now get  £/€/88 in Free Bets + 20 Free Spin Spins + Up to 5 “No Lose Bet”. All you need to do is place of at least £/€/$10 with 888Sports to get up to  £/€/$88 in Free Bets + 20 Free Casino Spins for City Life Slot. And also, make a first mobile bet of at least £/€/$1 with minimum odds of 1.5 to get up to £/€/$5 “No lose Bet” on Mobile.

Get Your £88 in Free Bets!