Following the very unfortunate draw at home against Bologna, Udinese aim to make things right by beating Chievo, and the Zebrette appear to be hot favourites to win this game. The Flying Donkeys hope to make amends for the home defeat to AC Milan, but they arrive at Friuli without several very important players.

Udinese not properly rewarded for good showings

With key players leaving the club in the summer and injury problems appearing from day one of the new season, it was only normal that Udinese struggled to cope with the busy schedule during the opening exchanges. The situation considerably improved on all fronts since the turn of the year, and as soon as the circumstances allowed them, the Zebrette started to climb the Serie A standings. Francesco Guidolin’s side did well to rediscover their home form, having been unbeaten at Friuli since September, while they also brought quite a few points from the travels. Their four-match winning run at home ended as they shared spoils with top 6 sides Napoli and Roma, but the Zebrette were terribly unlucky not to beat Bologna last weekend, having largely dominated the game to fashion a host of clear-cut chances, but the missed penalty proved decisive in the end. Francesco Guidolin shouldn’t be too worried by the under-par results given that his side appear to be on top of their game at the moment, and with the team finally at full strength, everything suggests they will return to winning ways against Chievo.

Giovanni Pasquale and Giampiero Pinzi have resumed full training, meaning that Francesco Guidolin can pick from a fully fit squad for the first time this season.

Four players suspended

Despite sitting just few places above the relegation zone, Chievo seem to have done enough to survive this campaign, as they cannot be expected to squander a nine-point advantage over the bottom three. It appears that the Flying Donkeys have lost their motivation after virtually securing survival, which could explain the shockingly bad performance at home against Milan last weekend. Chievo may have lost the game 1-0, but the final scoreline was extremely flattering on them as the Rossoneri had missed a host of clear-cut chances. Having said that, Eugenio Corini’s side have got to show a massive improvement if they are to stop in-form Udinese, but that may not be possible now that no less than four regular starters miss out through suspension. Given the lack of strength in depth, there are no doubts every one of these will be sorely missed at Friuli. Add to that the fact that Chievo have lost 11 of 15 away games in Serie A this term and you will understand why I am tempted to back Udinese here.

Dario Dainelli, Marco Andreolli, Boukary Drame and Isaac Cofie all miss out through suspension, while Nikolaos Spyropoulos is doubtful and Gennaro Sardo lacks match fitness.

Verdict

Udinese are again a real force to be reckoned with at Friuli and they are expected to build on a very good performance against Bologna. Chievo are awful on the travels, out of form and missing five first team regulars, which is enough to suggest they have nothing to hope for ahead of the trip to Udine.

Top pick: Home win   1.80 (4/5) @ BetFred

Alternative pick 1: Udinese to score two or more   2.10 (11/10) @ William Hill

Alternative pick 2: Udinese to win to nil   2.75 (7/4) @ Paddy Power

As Seen on TV – World’s Finest Live Casino!

William Hill just rolled out their new high quality live casino room. Every new player at William Hill Live Casino can earn a bonus of £25. Roulette, Blackjack, Baccarat, Sports Roulette & meet SEXY Dealers.

Get Your £25 Cash Bonus!