Italian Serie A
2008-04-20 - Catania Calcio vs S.S Lazio
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Analysis:Lazio travels to the Stadio Angelo Massimino to face Catania eager to revenge last season’s 3-1 defeat at the same venue here. The host are coming into this match on the back of one win in their last five matches while for Lazio they have managed one win as well, but have been unbeaten in their last three games – drawing each of them.
As it is now the hosts Catania is in 15th spot and as they are two points ahead of teams such as Reggina and Empoli it is vital that they do not get beaten here. The arrival of new boss Walter Zenga has brought positive effect to the team but they are still far from safe from the threat of relegation here. They are coming into this match on the back of a defeat to Palermo which was rather unfortunate.
Lazio on the other hand will want to finish on a high after a poor start by their standards. They played well last weekend even though they were held to a 1-1 draw against Siena. They have drawn their last three matches going into this match and do not have a very good record at Catania as their last win there was way back in 1961. Last season they were on the receiving end and were beaten 3-1 but will want to do better than their city rivals A.S Roma who could only managed a 1-1 draw with Livorno last night.
Interestingly both these teams are also involved in the Coppa Italia which will be played in midweek as Catania will be facing A.S Roma while Lazio will be facing Inter Milan in the return leg.
With Zenga as the coach, Catania have switched to a 4-4-2 formation instead of the 4-3-3 formation they previously used. The hosts will not have the services of Andrea Sottil who will be replaced by Christian Terlizzi. Full-back Juan Vargas will be moved to midfield. Mariano Izco will be starting this match against Lazio as well. Upfront we will see Giuseppe Mascara combining together with Gionatha Spinesi in a bid to get the goals. Jorge Martinez will start from the bench while Japanese player Takayuki Morimoto even though has recovered from injury but this match comes too soon for him to start.
As for Lazio’s Delio Rossi, he could spring a surprise by naming several players who he thinks could play well on the day. Fernando Muslera will start in goal once again despite a poor game against Siena. Sebastiano Siviglia will play no part in this match as he is suspended so former Newcastle player David Rozenhal will start in defence here. Stefano Mauri is likely to start just below the likes of Rolando Bianchi and Tommaso Rocchi.
With the Coppa Italia coming up, go for both teams to settle for a draw here.
Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Draw Match 1-1 or 2-2
BEST BETTING TIP :
Go for this match to end in a draw.
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Take Lazio and accept the 3/4 ball here.
