Palermo v Inter Milan
Football : Italy : Serie A
Saturday, 20th March 2010 - Kickoff 7:45pm

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Match Analysis :

Going into today’s game, Palermo has won their last 6 home games, pushing to forth in the league. Rossi is keen to hang on to 4th spot in the League as this would give them an opportunity to qualify for Champions League next season. Roma are seven points ahead of them while Juventus are just a point behind Palermo.

Rossi is delighted with the way his side is performing this season, especially at home. He believes that his side is showing maturity, striking at the right time while playing well defensively. Palermo will be relying on both their strike partnership of Cavani and Miccoli as both their strikers have scored 10 goals each.

Mourinho is pleased with the way his side played in midweek. No doubt many might argue that Inter did not have the majority of the possession but Inter worked well as a unit to stop Chelsea.

Sneijder was outstanding in midweek. The dutch international played a few lovely balls to his fellow teammates. He will be Inter’s main playmaker in this game whereby he will be creating opportunities for Eto and Militto up front.

McDonald Mariga who started last weekend against Catania is likely to feature on the bench today against Palermo. Sulley Muntari is suspended for the game following last weekend’s red card.

Probable Lineups :

Palermo : Sirigu, Cassani, Kjaaer, Bovc, Balzaretti, Liverani, Noceric, Miliadaccic, Pastore, Miccoli and Cavani.

Inter Milan : Julio Cesar, Maicon, Samuel, Lucio, Zanetti, Stankovic, Sneijder, Cambasso, Pandev, Militto and Eto.

Asian Handicap Analysis :

Under the asian handicap line, Palermo have been a strong team at home, paying out in 9 of their 14 games, and losing only 3 with the handicap. The 3 losses for bettors came against Catania, Genoa and Bari.

In addition, Palermo are actually undefeated at home this season winning 9 games and drawing four. An extremely solid home record, i would say.

On the other hand, Inter Milan have an mediocre away record under the betting line. Inter have paid 6, drawn one and lost 7 games on the road this season under the asian handicap line.

The 7 failures came against Sampdoria, Juventus, Atlanta, Bari, Parma, Napoli and Catania. Out of those 7 games, 4 of them came in their last 5 games with Inter struggling to win their away games.

The Betting Verdict :

Inter was sitting comfortably on the top of the Seria A just a couple of weeks ago. With Inter are struggling to win on the road, the comfortable lead have been cut short to just a single point. With city rivals Ac Milan just a point behind, anything but a win from Mourinho men would give Milan an opportunity to overtake Inter at the weekend.

No doubt Inter are underperforming on the road recently, but their massive 1-0 win against Chelsea would have given them a little boost. No doubt Inter did not create a lot against Chelsea in midweek, but Mourinho’s side was so hardworking as a unit in defense that Chelsea struggle to create anything.

After securing a massive result in midweek, I cant see Inter losing this game away to Palermo. No doubt Palermo are undefeated at home this season but i expect Inter to build on their midweek win against Chelsea.

With only 10 games remaining till the end of the season, this is time Mourinho’s men gather pace. A draw is likely, but i fancy Inter chances in walking away with all 3 points.

The Statistics :

HANDICAP BETTING :

Take Inter Milan on a draw no bet. (AH+0) (Main Bet)

Or Take Inter Milan to cover the -0.25 AH head start. Be prepared to lose half the bet if Inter draws the game.