Cesena climbed out of the relegation zone with back to back wins over Chievo and Sampdoria, but the Cavallucci Marini face a very difficult task against wounded Juventus. The Bianconeri have lost last three league games and they simply have to beat Cesena if they are to save this season.

Cesena flying high

After starting the season in excellent manner, Cesena quickly embarked on the disappointing run of results that saw everyone in Italy tip them as main candidates for the drop, although occasional home wins have helped the team stay within a touching distance of safety. Just when it appeared Cesena would not be able to save this season, they picked up seven points from last three games, thus finally leaving the bottom three. Despite the wins over Chievo and Sampdoria, Cesena sit just outside the relegation zone and they could have a tough time against wounded lion that is Juventus. Massimo Ficcadenti’s side enter the match high on confidence, but they clearly lack the quality needed to match their opponents, so everything suggests the Bianconeri will be able to win the game if they just play to their potential.

Luca Ceccarelli and Erjon Bogdani return to the side from suspension, but Fatic and Gorobsov remain sidelined. Igor Budan will again start on bench, while Sammarco and Dal Bello are injury doubts.

Three defeats in a row

After playing really well and showing a lot of potential in the first part of the season, Juventus have started to struggle in January and they still look unable to stop the barren run of results. Everyone can see that this team have a lot more potential than they are showing, but the Bianconeri will soon have to start showing that on the pitch or risk missing out on a European qualification. The atmosphere surrounding the team is very poor at the moment, but I still believe that Juve have what it takes to turn it around, especially as Cesena are clearly one of the weakest sides in Serie A. Luigi Del Neri is still without several important players, but he should be able to field a very strong side in this match. After beating Milan, Genoa, Catania and Cagliari away this term, Juve should be able to do the same against Cesena.

Grosso, Salihamidzic, Rinaudo, De Ceglie, Sissoko, Quagliarella and De Melo remain sidelined, but Pepe and Aquilani return from suspension and injury respectively.

Verdict

Cesena’s recent uptrend in form cannot change the fact they are one of the weakest sides in the competition, just like Juventus shouldn’t be judged by their latest run of results. The Bianconeri have got some great players in the side and the individual quality should help them win this clash.

Our prediction: Away win

Odds: 2.20 (6/5)

Bookmaker: Bodog