Sunday 15th January 2012, 2pm GMT
Chievo’s first home game in almost a month comes on the back of a spirited and unexpected cup win at Udinese on Wednesday. This result gives the Verona side a chance to face Siena in the quarter final stages at the end of the month, and will surely boost confidence ahead of Sunday’s league game.
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| Substitute Cyril Thereau celebrates his injury-time winner at Udinese on Wednesday |
Confidence is a commodity which is not in plentiful supply at Palermo. The Sicilians’ away form has been terrible all season – a fact which led to the dismissal of coach Devis Mangia late last year – but consistent wins at home gave some comfort to fans of the Rosanero for a couple of months. This solid home form has now deserted them however, and they have suffered two recent home defeats including a 3-1 loss to Napoli last Sunday. In fact Mangia’s replacement Bortolo Mutti has yet to manage a win as coach of Palermo.
While Chievo have been defeated just once at home this season, Palermo have yet to record a win on their travels. Domenico Di Carlo’s men are always well-organised, and they will be keen to leap-frog their opponents in the table with a win on Sunday.
Chievo is not a team which often stands out when one looks at the weekend’s Serie A fixtures, and despite the fact that the ‘flying donkeys’ have the most hilarious nickname in football I think there is value in backing them to win on Sunday.
Prediction – Chievo to win – 4pts
Match odds: Chievo 11/10
Draw 11/5
Palermo 12/5
