Italian Serie A
2011-12-11 - Atalanta vs Catania
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Match Preview :
Atalanta have failed to win in their last three games with three successive draws while for Catania they have managed just two wins in their last five games.
Atalanta's goalless draw with Chievo was a disappointment as they have done better against bigger teams but manager Stefano Colantuono felt it was enough to have a good Christmas period. This is because Atalanta are five points clear of the relegation zone despite starting the season with a six points penalty.
With games coming such as against Catania, Fiorentina and Cesena, the coach hinted that three points is good enough to keep their five points advantage on 18th place is maintained.
And already without the influential Daniele Capelli since mid-November with a season-ending knee injury, the Coach has to assemble a new-look defence in light of Stefano Lucchini’s suspension and Federico Peluso’s minor injury. This is arguably the first time that so many changes needs to be made to the Atlanata starting eleven.
However, Catania manager Vincenzo Montella is faced with a reshuffle of his own as Mariano Izco and Marco Biagianti are confirmed out for the visiting side. Their absence has led to speculation of a formation switch from 5-3-2 to 4-3-3 formation.
No matter what formation they use, Catania arrive fully focused and intent on picking up points. Despite recording a first away win of the season in Week 13, three consecutive home defeats between League and Cup have put the pressure on Catania to get the win here.
Catania's problem centres around the motivation and technical ability to perform. Against bigger opponents it is believed that the team’s motivation and attitude can make up for their lack of technical ability. However, against opponents who are of similar strength and playing defensively, Catania tend to lose motivation.
But Nicolas Spolli of Catania mentioned that they no longer looked back and have moved on. They have been punished for their mistakes and they have taken note of the difficulties encountered against Chievo and Cagliari. They will want to show that they can match Atalanta here as well.
The history books is against Catania in this fixture as Catania have not scored on their last three visits to the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia.
Possible lineups
Atalanta : Consigli; Raimondi, Masiello, Manfredini, Bellini; Schelotto, Cigarini, Carmona, Padoin; Moralez; Denis
Catania : Andujar; Bellusci, Legrottaglie, Spolli, Marchese; Almiron, Lodi, Delvecchio; Gomez, Bergessio, Lopez
Prediction :
Take Atalanta to get the win here.
The Statistics :
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Pick :
Atalanta 2-1 Catania
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take Atalanta to win here.
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Main Bet :
Take Atalanta to clear the -1/2 goal handicap with a win.
Take Atalanta to clear the -1/2 goal handicap with a win.
