Match Preview :

Chievo welcomes Cagliari to the Stadio Bentegodi where seven places separate each side in the standings - but they are just two points away from each other.

Chievo lost their match last weekend but their coach Mimmo Di Carlo spoke of their improvement from recent poor performances. Coming up against Udinese the team had more than one opportunity to take the lead in the 2-1 defeat they suffered. There was also a contentious penalty appeal that could have changed the game.

However, the local Chievo press was not sympathetic when they stated it was his decision to up the pace that caused a crisis of confidence amongst the players. Their main criticism, however, still centres on Di Carlo and what they are now labelling as a lack of conviction, pointing to Alberto Paloschi and Davide Moscardelli’s introduction as too late to saved them. The hosts has a fully fit squad coming into this match which is good for Di Carlo.

Cagliari comes into this match climbing seven positions and increasing their points advantage over theother teams in the bottom end. But Cagliari struggled in their last match to break down Parma and had to settle for the draw.

Cagliari strikers Thiago Ribeiro and Segundo Ibarbo have been poor with the duo’s combined return of one goal from 589 minutes in all competitions under Ballardini is a cause for concern. They are still in the side due to the fact that the number of injuries to have hit the squad in recent weeks. With Daniele Conti out due to injury, they are having problems finding their best players in the starting eleven.

The visitors have a tough task this weekend as they enter this match knowing that this is the stadium the team have never won before. The fact they are missing Andrea Cossu through suspension does not help them either. Thus we could see Ballardini revert to a more defensive 3-5-2 formation since Cossu is out of this clash.

Possible lineups

Chievo : Sorrentino; Frey, Cesar, Andreolli, Jokic; Luciano, Hetemaj, Bradley; Sammarco; Pellissier, Thereau

Cagliari : Agazzi; Pisano, Canini, Ariaudo; Perico, Ekdal, Nainggolan, Biondini, Agostini; Larrivey, Ibarbo

Predictions :

Take Chievo to win this match and give the 1/2 ball.

The Statistics :

The Pick :

Chievo 1-0 Cagliari

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Take Chievo to win.

HANDICAP BETTING :

Main Bet:
Take Chievo to beat the 1/2 ball handicap.