This week’s football prediction is that three of the current top four teams in Serie A will continue their push for the Scudetto by collecting maximum points from week 17.
AC Milan v Roma Betting Preview
The old and new players at AC Milan appear to have gelled well and the new arrivals in particular are scoring plenty of goals lately. Roma's results on the other hand are very erratic. Claudio Ranieri's side last week struggled to beat a Bari team, whose confidence and league position are both rock-bottom, at the Stadio Olimpico.
Interestingly, AC Milan have won their last 2 games 3-0, with the same three scorers in both games: Boateng, Robinho and Ibrahimović. Robinho and Ibrahimović have both scored in 3 of their last 4 games. I expect Milan to take advantage of the obvious problems in the Roma camp by securing all three points, but if you feel like a small wincast, bet on Robinho or Ibrahimović to score during this victory for AC Milan. Personally I would favour Ibrahimović, as he is Milan's penalty taker.
Prediction: AC Milan to win
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| Zlatan Ibrahimović: will he ever stop scoring for AC Milan? |
Lazio v Udinese Betting Preview
I expect Lazio to honour the most overused cliche in football and "bounce back" after their defeat at Juventus on Sunday. Lazio appear to have a decent team spirit this season and, still smarting from the concession of a late, late Krasic winner last time out, they will be eager to continue their solid home record before the winter break (which comes after this week's fixtures).
Udinese, while solid at home, have not been nearly as successful on the road – although last season’s top scorer in Serie A Antonio Di Natale remains a potent threat.
Stefan Radu will return from suspension for Lazio also, which means they should start with thier first-choice back four, a luxury which they did not have last week.
Prediction: Lazio to win
Chievo v Juventus Betting Preview
Juventus have had just as much success on the road this season as they have had on their home turf, and I think they will continue their good away record at stuttering Chievo. Their win over Lazio on Sunday moved Juventus to 2nd in the league, and they will be full of confidence going into Sunday's game.
Miloš Krasić in particular looked very dangerous against Lazio, causing their defence all sorts of problems by showing the ability to switch wings which eventually led to him scoring the 94th minute winner for Juventus. Expect him to play a key role on Sunday.
Prediction: Juventus to win
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| Miloš Krasić's late winner against Lazio propelled Juventus into second place in Serie A last Sunday |
The Outside Bet:
Catania v Brescia Betting Preview
While all of the above are available at odds of evens, or close to evens, an outside bet which I feel might be worth a look is Brescia to win away at Catania.
Last week, Brescia hosted Sampdoria, and caused an upset by winning 1-0. This was Brescia’s first win in 13 games, and it was undoubtedly related to the appointment of new coach Mario Beretta days before the game.
The Sicilians have an excellent home record, but they have lost their last two games, and the boost Brescia have received from their managerial change might just be enough to help them overcome Catania on Sunday.
Prediction: Brescia to win
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| Mario Beretta aims to continue his perfect start at Brescia |
Fixtures Previewed:
Sat. Dec 18th, 7.45pm - AC Milan v Roma (live on ESPN, Setanta Ireland)
Sun. Dec 19th, 11.30am - Lazio v Udinese
Sun. Dec 19th, 2pm - Chievo v Juventus (live on ESPN)
Sun. Dec 19th, 2pm - Catania v Brescia
(All times are GMT)
Good luck!
