Palermo vs Udinese

Palermo play host to Udinese as they open up week 27 in Serie A. Palermo were able to hold out for a draw on the road last week while Udinese are coming off of an important win at home which keeps their chances of qualifying for the Champions League alive.

The side managed by Francesco Guidolin are currently in 9^th place of the league table with 35 points on the year. This leaves them just behind Genoa on goal difference and 1 point ahead of 9^th place Atalanta. The draw gives Palermo 4 points from their last 2 matches and they have not conceded a goal over those last 2 games. On the injury front, Capuano is the only confirmed absence though top striker Amauri is not at 100% fitness and so is not expected to start this week. He will be replaced by Uruguayan Edison Cavani who will start alongside Bresciano. Balzaretti will sit out suspended.

Udinese were able to bounce back nicely from their loss away to Parma in their prior match to return home and hold serve over the pesky Atalanta by a score of 2-0 at the Stadio Friuli. Thanks to the win the side managed by Marino are now 6^th in Serie A with 39 points on the year. They are 4 points back of 5^th place AC Milan and sit 3 points ahead of 7^th place Sampdoria. They have posted 2 wins and 3 losses over their past 5 matches. There are big injury concerns once again this week for the friuliani as top defender Christian Zapata remains out injured along with De Martino, Asamoah, and Obodo. Zapotocny and Dossena are out suspended. Late word is that defender Lukovic has some aches and pains but he is still expected to make the start in the back line formed by himself, Felipe and Coda.

These two sides are pretty well matched up and separated by only 4 points in the Serie A league table. It will all come down to who is on a better day and the absence of Zapata in the back line could loom large in this contest as Marino is married to the 3 man defense. Palermo should be able to pull this one out at home.

Prediction: Palermo (1-0)