Sunday 23rd October 2011, 2pm GMT
Udinese sit in second place in the table after six games, level with Juventus on points and goal difference but having scored two less. Unbeaten so far this season, they missed a chance to pull clear at the top last week when they instead decided to participate in the nil-nil-fest which gripped Serie A on Sunday.
Novara are one of the new arrivals to the top flight, and they have settled reasonably well. Their last result was a disappointing 2-0 defeat at home against Bologna, but they have also beaten Inter 3-1 at home and drawn away at Chievo.
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| Antonio Floro Flores celebrates after scoring against Atletico Madrid |
Udinese are well known for their attacking threat, but the most impressive aspect of their performances so far has been their water-tight defence. The Friuli side have conceded just once in their six league games so far – the best defensive record in the league. Their 2-0 home win over Atletico Madrid on Thursday in the Europa League was no mean feat either. Captain Antonio Di Natale returns to the line-up against Novara after being rested on Thursday.
The odds on a Udinese win tomorrow are too short to consider, but there is value in backing them to win while keeping another clean sheet.
Prediction – Udinese to win to nil – 4pts
Match odds: Udinese 4/9
Draw 3/1
Novara 6/1
Udinese to win to nil 7/5
