With nine games to go Cagliari are ten points clear of the bottom three, meaning the hosts enter the Fiorentina clash without any pressure. Viola, on the other hand, significantly improved their chances of achieving a top three finish with three straight victories and they will fancy their chances of making it four on the bounce.

Cagliari continue to impress

Before the season started, Cagliari were not expected to slip into the relegation tussle, and a four-match winning run in October hinted that Isolani would rather fight for a top table finish. However, the team than embarked on a nine-game winless run in the league and things became really tricky after the defeat to Lazio in the first match of the New Year. Just when everybody expected to that Cagliari wouldn’t be able to kick-start their season, the team from Sardinia returned to winning ways against Genoa and then continued with impressive performances. As a result, Ivo Pulga’s side now sit well clear of the relegation zone and can now play without any pressure, although motivation could be lacking after finally ensuring Serie A survival. The match against high-flying Fiorentina will show whether Cagliari warrant a place in mid table or their latest results are just a confluence of fortunate events.

Forward Nene misses out through suspension, while midfielder Daniele Conti is doubtful with a calf problem.

Fiorentina not giving up on Champions League

If there is a team that have impressed me this season it is definitely Fiorentina, who made an incredible transition from a bottom-table side to the one fighting for a top 3 finish. While Viola’s home record is second to none in the top flight, the team haven’t quite picked up as many points as they hoped for from the travels, although their promising displays have warranted more than 15 points from 14 away games. The fact that Fiorentina beat both Milan and Lazio away proves they have more than enough quality and experience to record good results on the travels, but Vincenzo Montella’s side were not always fortunate enough to add points to their tally when they were playing well. However, with the players brimming with confidence after three successive league victories, this could be the perfect time for Fiorentina to record another away win and thus improve their chances of achieving Champions League qualification.

Borja Valero is suspended, whereas Luca Toni is doubtful and Giuseppe Rossi, Michele Camporese and Ahmed Hegazy are out injured.

Verdict

Cagliari have been playing well of late, but I am not convinced they can match very good Fiorentina side if the visitors play to their potential. Having said that, there is every chance that Viola will be able to produce another solid showing after winning their last three league fixtures and maybe they can make it four in a row.

Top pick: Fiorentina to score two or more   2.25 (5/4) @ William Hill

Alternative pick 1: Fiorentina with -0.25 Asian handicap   1.98 (49/50) @ bet365

Alternative pick 2: Away win   2.30 (13/10) @ BetVictor

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