 |
| The Serie A action returns this weekend with Napoli starting to get use to life at the top of the standings |
After just one week’s break from Serie A, the action returns this weekend with Napoli starting to get use to life at the top of the standings. The Azzurri shouldn’t be too comfortable, however, with reigning champions Juventus breathing down their necks, just a point behind the leaders. Let’s find out what’s in store for round 21.
Sunday 21 January
26/10 Atalanta | Draw 49/20 | Napoli 21/20 (13:30)
Atalanta will lock horns with table-toppers Napoli in Sunday’s lunch-time kick-off. La Dea have been fairly decent on their ground but their lack of consistency has caused them to fall off the pace at times this season. Napoli have been in top form with four wins on the spin. They are unbeaten in their last 23 league travels, claiming 20 wins in the process. The away win looks a top bet.
8/10 Udinese | 51/20 | Spal 2013 (16:00)
Udinese are unbeaten in their last six matches with five wins, including back-to-back wins at home, scoring six goals without conceding. Spal 2013 have lost two games on the bounce and have managed just one win from 10 travels. At 8/10, Udinese are a steal! They might have lost the reverse tie 3-2 but home advantage should see them take revenge and more importantly, maximum points. Get on the home win!
7/4 Sassuolo | 23/10 | Torino 31/20 (16:00)
Sassuolo’s unbeaten run of four matches came to an end last time out with a 1-0 defeat at Genoa. Nonetheless, they have won consecutive games on home soil and will be determined to maintain that form on their ground. Torino are off the back of a 3-0 home win against Bologna and will be eager to build on that, especially after winning the corresponding fixture 3-0. This should be a bit of a back and forth contest with Both Teams to Score – Yes – tipped at 13/20.
7/10 Bologna | 11/4 | Benevento 38/10 (16:00)
Bologna have been dismal in recent weeks with four losses from their last five games, including back-to-back defeats. Benevento have impressed of late with two wins on the bounce. Both victories came on home soil, while they have lost all nine travels, scoring only three goals and conceding 19 times. Both sides have struggled in the goal department so I’m expecting a dull encounter. The Totals market – Under 2.5 Goals – looks well worth a punt at 9/10.
1/4 Lazio | 5/1 | Chievo 9/1 (16:00)
Lazio are coming off an emphatic 5-2 victory away to Spal 2013, while Chievo are winless in their last six matches, including four defeats. The Flying Donkeys have also lost their last three games on the road and that doesn’t look like improving here. Lazio edged a 2-1 victory in the reverse tie and should get the job done here. The Eagles are tipped on the (-1) Handicap at 13/20.
11/10 Hellas Verona | 23/10 | Crotone 51/20 (16:00)
Relegation-threatened Hellas Verona have been terrible with three consecutive losses, scoring just once and conceding nine times. Crotone are just two points and a place above their opponents, suffering similar form with three straight defeats. Nonetheless, both sides are in danger of the drop which makes this clash all the more enticing. There is very little to choose between them and the draw looks a likely result.
37/20 Sampdoria | 24/10 | Fiorentina 14/10 (16:00)
Sampdoria have been poor in recent weeks with three losses from their last four games. Fiorentina are unbeaten in their last eight matches. The last five meetings between the sides have seen both teams find the back of the net. An attacking game of football is expected so get on Both Teams to Score – Yes – at 13/20.
11/4 Cagliari | 5/2 | AC Milan 19/20 (19:00)
Cagliari have been dismal with three losses from their last four matches, including back-to-back defeats at home. AC Milan are coming off a dour 1-0 home win against Crotone but remain winless in their last four games on the road. The Islanders upset the applecart last season with a 2-1 home win over Milan and I got a hunch that they might be able to steal the show once again. However, for safe measure, back them on the Win/Draw Double Chance at 15/20.
27/20 Inter Milan | 49/20 | Roma 19/10 (21:45)
The San Siro Stadium will be buzzing on Sunday evening when Inter Milan take on Roma. The Nerazzurri are going through a bit of a slump and are now without a win in their last five matches. Roma are winless in their last three games but have suffered just one defeat on the road this term. Both teams will be desperate to return to winning ways! A cagey affair on the cards but I’m backing Roma to come away with all three points.
Monday 22 January
1/5 Juventus | 5/1 | Genoa 14/1 (21:45)
Monday night’s action pits Juventus up against Genoa. The Old Lady have been excellent in recent weeks with four wins on the spin, scoring eight goals and conceding just once. Genoa are unbeaten in their last four games with two wins and will be looking to keep Juve at bay. Juventus have won the last five meetings at home against Genoa and are tipped for a routine win here. Back them on the Win-To-Nil market at 6/10.
TREBLE @ 6/1
Napoli Win 21/20
Udinese Win 8/10
Bologna vs Benevento Under 2.5 Goals 9/10
Written by Aaron Crowie
