Analysis:

Parma welcomes the visit of Bologna for this local derby match and both sides are at the opposite end of the table. Parma are in fourth spot while Bologna are fighting for their lives at the bottom end against relegation.

The hosts Parma are unbeaten in four games and last week's 2-2 draw with Genoa ensured they are in the Champions League position. Francesco Guidolin has done wonders to the team despite without long term injuries to McDonald Mariga, Alessandro Manzoni, Andrea Pisanu and Stafano Russo.

Parma have also missed the services of Valeri Bojinov and Alberto Paloschi for the last few games, but they should be on the bench at least.

And with the likes of veteran Nicola Amoruso and Jonathan Biabany, who scored two goals last weekend, they are more than well covered. Christian Panucci will start despite him grabbing the ehadlines with the altercation with Genoa President Enrizo Presiozi.

As for the visitors Bologna, they are faring much better under Coach Franco Colomba, as a defeat here would not see them drop into the relegation spot. They are unbeaten in their last two games but for this match Colomba has to make few changes though as Daniel Portanova is out suspended. Vangelis Moras, Massimo Mutarelli and mid-season signing Stephen Appiah are all out injured and unable to make the trip.

Casarini who is just 20 years old was given a break to start in midfield last weekend and did well in the 2-1 win over Udinese. That could do enough to keep his place even though Nicola Mingazzini returns from a ban. The defence needs to be reshuffled with Andrea Raggi as well as Miguel Angel Britos in the cntre back positions. Salvatore Lanna is doubtful after suffering a muscular injury in training.

For Marci Di Vaio this will be a special game as he had some of his best moments with Parma. He played there from 1999 to 2002 scoring 41 goals for Parma including 20 in just 33 games in his final season there. However, this season he has only hit the back of the net three times.

Parma has the advantage here due to their home advantage. They have picked up 16 of their total 2 points to date at home thanks largely to five home wins, a draw and a single defeat to Cagliari on 27th September.

Interestingly, that was the last time Bologna managed a point on their travels. Bologna have not won away after three draws and four defeats and scoring four goals in the process.

Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser

The Statistics :

The Pick :

Parma 2 Bologna 0

HANDICAP BETTING :

Take Parma to get the home win here and give the 1/2 ball away.