Out-of-sorts Sampdoria will be looking to end a ten-match run in Serie A when they take on defending champions Juventus at Marassi. The Bianconeri arrive in Genoa with a weakened side, but they, nonetheless, remain the favourites to record the sixth successive league victory on the road.

Disappointing finish

The mere fact Sampdoria have survived the first season upon their return to the elite division should be considered a success, but the latest dismal run of results have marred what looked to be an excellent season for the Doriani. With talented footballers Mauro Icardi, Andrea Poli, Nenad Krsticic and Pedro Obiang setting the pace, Sampdoria played with a lot of confidence since the turn of the year, but their form dipped considerably over the last couple of months. As a result, the team could pick up just 4 out of possible 30 points, and it is not realistic to expect their barren run is going to end against by far the strongest side in the league. With confidence at an all time low and several important players still missing, Sampdoria don’t look capable of matching their more illustrious opponents, even though Antonio Conte is set to rest some of his regular starters at Marassi. Having lost three straight home games before sharing spoils with Catania some ten days back, Samp don’t have much to hope for before the visit of Juventus.

Renan misses out through suspension, whereas Nenad Krsticic and Andrea Costa are out injured and Jonathan Rossini is doubtful.

Just 21 goals conceded

With the back line consisting of Italy internationals Barzagli, Bonucci and Chiellini, and Azzurri number one Gianluigi Buffon behind them, rock-solid defence was always going to play a part in team’s success this season. However, to concede just 21 goals in 37 Serie A games is certainly a remarkable achievement, and no doubt the Bianconeri will be looking to keep their next intact at Marassi after the 1-1 draw with Cagliari ended their run of five straight clean sheets. There is obviously more to Juventus than just formidable defence, with midfield trio of Vidal, Pirlo and Marchisio making it incredibly easy for the attackers to score goals on regular basis. The Bianconeri may have clinched the league title against Palermo, but they have since produced two very good performances and will certainly be looking to end the season with a win. Antonio Conte is expected to rest some of his regular starters in Genoa, but the team that start against Sampdoria will be more than capable of defeating their struggling opponents.

Paul Pogba is banned, while Andrea Barzagli, Kwadwo Asamoah and Simone Pepe are sidelined through injury.

Verdict

It will be difficult for Sampdoria players to find enough confidence to produce a good performance following the ten-match winless run, especially as Juventus are not looking to do them any favours on Saturday evening. The Bianconeri are determined to end the season on a high and I fancy them to win at Marassi without too many problems.

Top pick: Away win   2.05 (21/20) @ Paddy Power

Alternative pick 1: Under 2.5 goals   2.15 (23/20) @ BetVictor

Alternative pick 2: Juventus to win to nil   4.20 (16/5) @ Coral

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