Italian Serie A
2012-05-13 - Catania vs Udinese
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Match Preview :
Udinese enters this match looking to keep hold of third spot which gives them the right to play in the Champions League.
Catania meanwhile were still in contention for a top six finish themselves and entry in to the Europa League but that was until week 35 when they allowed a 1-0 lead to slipped by them and two crucial points in the Sicilian derby.
The home side now find themselves 10 points adrift of Inter in sixth heading into the final round, but they can still secure a top-half finish, which would be their highest in Serie A since they finished eighth in 1964-1965.
Meanwhile, Udinese are now two points clear of the other teams chasing them in third place, having taken advantage of Napoli’s poor form and backing themselves at home with a 2-0 win over Genoa.
But the race for third spot is still open with the likes of Lazio, Napoli and Inter all still in the running. And if Francesco Guidolin manage to guide his team to third, it will be the first time Udinese have finished that high since the 1997-1998 season.
Last month Udinese were beaten by the likes of Roma and also Inter Milan but have since won their last three in a row to hold the edge as they enter the final round.
It will be a close battle to the finish line as Udinese look for a result at a ground at which they have only won twice in nine attempts. On both occasions the scoreline was 2-0, in January 1984, and most recently in October 2008.
Udinese have lost six Serie A encounters at the Stadio Angelo Massimino, and earned a 1-1 draw here two seasons ago. A draw would be enough to see Udinese secure third spot as Lazio have an inferior head-to-head over Udinese.
Interesting to note here is that when these sides have played in Serie A, the winning team has always won with the other team failing to score.
Possible lineups
Catania : Carrizo; Motta, Legrottaglie, Bellusci, Marchese; Izco, Seymour, Almiron; Bergessio, Gomez, Barrientos
Udinese : Handanovic; Benatia, Danilo, Domizzi; Basta, Pereyra, Pinzi, Asamoah, Pasquale; Fabbrini, Di Natale
Predictions :
Take both teams NOT to score.
EDITOR NOTE :
When sourcing the odds for this match, it's clear that many bookmakers are drastically slashing the odds on a draw, and some bookmakers are not quoting odds on this game at all.
The consensus seems to be that the draw is "very likely" here.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Both teams NOT to score.
BEST BETTING TIP :
Main Bet :Take both teams NOT to score. at prices of around 2.25
(Note : No odds for this bet type are online yet)
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Take Catania on Level ball
