As the football season nears its end, Gameweek 37 looms large as a crucial juncture for teams that find themselves in the precarious position of battling relegation. With only two matches left to play, every point is vital in their quest to avoid the prospect of demotion to a lower league. In this context, Gameweek 37 provides a valuable chance for these teams to earn precious points and potentially secure their survival in the top flight. It is an opportunity that no team can afford to waste, and the fight to avoid the drop is sure to be intense and unpredictable.
Friday 17 May
15/10 Fiorentina | Draw 24/10 | Napoli 33/20 (20:45)
Fiorentina will host Napoli at the Artemio Franchi Stadium in a bid to leapfrog Napoli if they were to collect maximum points. Napoli went down 2-0 at home to Bologna last time out and will be eager to bounce back with a victory. Both clubs are vying for the last European spot leaving an extra layer of excitement and anticipation around this fixture. Fiorentina win and BTTS.
Saturday 18 May
33/10 Lecce | Draw 26/10 | Atalanta 8/10 (18:00)
Lecce surprisingly has been performing very well in recent weeks considering the challenges they have to face at the bottom of the table. After two wins and two draws, they stretched their unbeaten run to four games and are potentially safe from relegation. Atalanta on the other hand, has recorded four consecutive wins and I see them being too strong on the day for Lecce. Back the away win here.
39/20 Torino | Draw 22/10 | AC Milan 14/10 (20:45)
Torino’s strong home form coupled with AC Milan’s impressive away record, sets the stage for an intriguing battle. Torino will surely aim to capitalize on their home advantage to halt Milan’s unbeaten streak on the road. However, Milan’s recent form, including their convincing victory in their previous encounter, suggests they have the momentum and quality to secure another win, even away from home. Back Milan to win.
Sunday 19 May
12/10 Sassuolo | Draw 47/20 | Cagliari 22/10 (12:30)
Sassuolo’s desperation to avoid relegation adds extra pressure on them to secure a victory, especially with the advantage of playing at home. On the other hand, Cagliari will be equally determined to earn maximum points to enhance their chances of staying clear of the relegation zone. Given the circumstances, this match could be intense and closely contested, with both teams leaving everything on the field. The outcome might hinge on which team can handle the pressure better and capitalize on scoring opportunities. A lot riding on this fixture and BTTS is the safe way to go here.
17/10 Monza | Draw 24/10 | Frosinone 15/10 (15:00)
Monza’s performance against Lazio surely provided them with a boost in confidence, especially considering they earned a point against a strong side. They’ll likely carry that momentum into their upcoming fixture against Frosinone. Frosinone on the other hand, will face a daunting task, given their struggles away from home and the pressure of battling relegation. Considering the contrasting forms and circumstances of both teams, Monza may have the upper hand going into this fixture. However, football can often be unpredictable, and Frosinone will be determined to defy the odds and secure a positive result. Monza win.
21/20 Udinese | Draw 23/10 | Empoli 51/20 (15:00)
A massive fixture is on the cards here for both teams as they sit deep in the relegation fight. With only two points separating them in the standings, every result becomes crucial for their survival hopes. Both teams will undoubtedly be aware of the magnitude of this fixture and will be eager to claim a vital victory. In such high-pressure situations, determination, and preparedness play pivotal roles. The team that can maintain composure, execute their game plan effectively, and showcase a relentless desire to win will likely come out on top. It’s often these characteristics that define success in relegation battles. BTTS is the safe way to go here.
6/10 Inter Milan | Draw 3/1 | Lazio 42/10 (18:00)
Inter Milan having already secured the Serie A title, will likely aim to finish the season strongly and maintain their winning momentum. Despite having little at stake in terms of league standings, their professionalism, and pride as champions will drive them to perform at a high level in their remaining fixtures. On the other hand, Lazio’s good form and unbeaten run will provide them with confidence as they face the champions. They will undoubtedly be motivated to put in a strong performance against Inter Milan, especially considering the prestige of facing the reigning champions and the form they find themselves in. Back the home win and BTTS.
5/10 Roma | Draw 31/10 | Genoa 5/1 (20:45)
Roma is going through a rough patch in terms of form, while Genoa is enjoying a more positive run lately. The recent results indicate a shift in momentum, with Roma struggling to secure wins while Genoa has been more consistent, particularly in their away matches. Genoa’s unbeaten streak on the road could provide them with confidence and the freedom to play with more attacking intent against Roma. However, Roma will be eager to bounce back from their recent disappointments and return to winning ways, especially in front of their home crowd. They’ll likely approach the match with determination and a desire to reclaim momentum as they look to finish the season on a positive note. Roma to win.
Monday 20 May
34/10 Salernitana | Draw 26/10 | Verona 15/20 (18:30)
With Salernitana already relegated, their remaining matches serve primarily as opportunities to salvage pride and bid farewell to their fans for the season. Despite their relegation, they may still aim to finish the season on a positive note by putting on strong performances in front of their home crowd. On the other hand, Verona will have different motivations as they seek to secure as many points as possible to steer clear of the relegation battle. Every point matters for them as they aim to ensure their Serie A status for the next season. They’ll likely approach the match with determination and a desire to earn maximum points against a relegated Salernitana side. Back the away win.
29/20 Bologna | Draw 2/1 | Juventus 2/1 (20:45)
Bologna’s remarkable achievement of qualifying for the Champions League marks a significant milestone in their history and underscores the success of their expansive style of play. With the excitement of their newfound status, they’ll likely approach their match against Juventus with confidence and determination, especially when playing in front of their home fans. Juventus will be eager to end their run of draws and finish the season on a higher note. Despite their recent struggles, Juventus remains a formidable opponent with talented players who are capable of turning the tide in any match. BTTS and 2.5 goals is the way to go.
Written by Marc Strydom.