Catania will see this game as a good opportunity to make amends for back to back defeats to Inter and Juventus, and revive their European hopes, while Udinese aim to extend their unbeaten run to four games and record their second successive victory on the road having beaten Pescara in their last away game.
Two unfortunate defeats
The mere fact Catania sit just five points behind European places, and has six points less on their tally than at the end of last season with ten games to go speaks volumes about team’s impressive showings this season. The Elephants’ excellent run of results came to an end as they recorded back to back defeats to Inter and Juventus, but the promising showings in those matches proved the team are still in a very good form. After losing both matches by conceding in injury time, Catania players will be very motivated to make things right against Udinese and prove why they are considered one of the strongest home sides in the elite division. Their 9-2-3 record at Stadio Angelo Massimino should give the team plenty of confidence before the match against Udinese, who have been far from impressive on the travels. Furthermore, the prospect of joining the race for European places should offer an extra incentive.
Top scorer Gonzalo Bergessio and Ciro Capuano miss out through injury, whereas Nicolas Spolli is out through suspension.
Huge selection problems for Francesco Guidolin
Udinese have done well to avoid the relegation tussle in spite of the disappointing start to the season, but numerous selection problems continue to make life difficult for the Zebrette. After impressing immediately following the winter break, the team have seen a major dip in form of late, mostly because veteran striker Antonio Di Natale has lost his scoring touch. With the 35-year-old scoring just once in last eight fixtures, the Friulani could score just 4 goals in last 7 games, which is likely to be a problem ahead of the very difficult away game at Stadio Angelo Massimino. As if that was not enough, Francesco Guidolin is without six first team regulars, and with no decent replacements available, another away defeat looks on the cards. The Friulani may have beaten Pescara in their last away fixture, but they had lost five of seven away games prior to that clash.
Maicosuel, Thomas Heurtaux and Maurizio Domizzi are all suspended, whereas Mehdi Benatia, Andrea Lazzari, Giampaolo Pinzi and Giovanni Pasquale are out injured.
Verdict
Catania remain in a very good form despite the two unlucky defeats and they have beaten much stronger sides than Udinese at Massimino this season. The Zebrette tend to struggle on the travels and with so many regular starters missing, they face a mountain to climb in Sicily.
Top pick: Home win 2.00 (1/1) @ BetFred
Alternative pick 1: Under 2.5 goals 1.78 (31/40) @ BetVictor
Alternative pick 2: Catania to win to nil 3.40 (12/5) @ 888sport
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