If a couple of results go their way and they win this match, Udinese could easily return to the race for European places, which should give them enough motives to try and beat Bologna. Il Felsinei ended their three-match winning run as they lost at home to Juventus, and are now looking to make amends by taking at least one point from Friuli.

Injury situation improving

Udinese go into this match high on spirits, with a number of important players resuming full training during the international break. That basically means that for the first time after quite a while, Francesco Guidolin has nearly fully fit squad to choose from, which should keep the hosts in good stead ahead of the match with Bologna. After experiencing some problems in the opening exchanges, Udinese have stabilized that form and that is especially true when we take a look at their displays at Friuli. The four-match winning run at home may have ended as Udinese drew with Napoli and Roma, but the excellent home record can give the Zebrette plenty of confidence as they prepare for the Bologna game. Udinese are slowly closing in on European places and three points from this match would certainly get them closer to their goal.

Dusan Basta, Andrea Lazzari, Maicosuel, Thomas Heurtaux and Maurizio Domizzi all return, leaving Giampiero Pinzi in the infirmary.

Important missings for Bologna

Just like Udinese, Bologna were largely struggling in the first part of the season, as boss Stefano Pioli just couldn’t get the maximum out of his side. As the season unfolded, il Felsinei kept improving their performances and they in turn managed to escape the danger zone and climb to mid table. The three-match winning run gave the team a chance to fight for a place in the top half of the standings, but il Felsinei could do nothing to avoid a home defeat to Juventus last time out. As if that was not enough, key midfielder Alessandro Diamanti picked up his eighth yellow card of the season, meaning he is suspended for the Udinese match. Another important player Diego Perez is out after picking up injury on international duty, and that is likely to further damage Bologna’s chances of getting something from Friuli. Team’s poor away record is another cause for concern, considering that they lost 9 of last 12 games on the road in Serie A.

Diego Perez and Alessandro Diamanti miss out through injury and suspension respectively, while Cesare Natali is doubtful.

Verdict

Udinese have turned their Friuli into a real fortress of late and with the likes of Basta, Domizzi and Lazzari all back to the side, they look a good bet to see off Bologna. Il Felsinei, on the other hand, cannot be expected to improve their disappointing away record now that key players Diamanti and Perez are unavailable.

Top pick: Home win   2.10 (11/10) @ Paddy Power

Alternative pick 1: Over 2.5 goals   2.20 (6/5) @ Coral

Alternative pick 2: Both teams to score   2.00 (1/1) @ William Hill

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