Udinese vs Cesena

January 7, 2012
By: John Hansen

Udinese ended the first part of the league campaign with two derby draws, so the Zebrette are now aiming to revive their title bid with what would be their eighth home win in nine games. Cesena remained deep in the relegation zone after the heavy defeat to Atalanta, but Cavallucci Marini still believe they can produce a shock at Friuli.

Amazing home form

Having stayed without creative players like Alexis Sanchez and Gokhan Inler in the summer, Udinese boss Francesco Guidolin decided to adopt a more cautious style this season and this change in the playing style has produced magnificent results. The Zebrette are no longer one of the best attacking sides in the league, but they are now by far the best defensive team in Serie A, having conceded just 9 goals in 16 games. While constantly picking up points from the travels, the Friulani have been thoroughly impressive in Udine, where they not only won 7 of 8 games, but conceded just two goals in the process. Their seven-match winning run at Friuli came to an end as Juventus held them to a goalless draw, but everything suggests that Udinese will get back to winning ways against struggling Cesena. Another victory as well as a clean sheet look on the cards.

Apart from long-term casualty Paulo Vitor Barreto, Francesco Guidolin can choose from a fully fit squad.

Cesena continue to struggle

Following some pretty solid showings from last season and shrewd summer recruitment, Cesena were tipped to escape the relegation struggle, but the poor start to the season seems to have had a very negative effect on the squad. New signings Mutu, Comotto, Eder, Ghezzal and Candreva haven’t really been playing to their potential, with numerous squad changes in the summer proving to be a real problem for coaches Giampaolo and Arrigoni. As a result, Cesena now sit deep in the relegation zone, three points adrift of safety, and they have little to hope for before the trip to Friuli. Cesena did win two away games this season, but lost the remaining six, and having scored just three goals in eight games on the travels, they could find it hard to break the best defence in Serie A. Cavallucci Marini cannot seem to find the cure for their scoring problems, so no wonder they now boast the worst attacking record in Serie A.

Boss Daniele Arrigoni has no fresh injury worries, but Giuseppe Colucci, Jorge Martinez and Raphael Martinho remain sidelined.

Verdict

Udinese are a real force to be reckoned with at their Friuli and Francesco Guidolin’s side usually win their home games without conceding. Cesena largely struggle on the travels and after scoring just three goals in eight away games, they cannot be trusted to break Udinese’s rock-solid defence.

Our prediction: Udinese to win to nil

Odds: 2.20 (6/5)

Bookmaker: Paddy Power

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