Prediction: Lecce vs Udinese

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 43/20

Bookmaker: 888sport

The surge toward the end of the season continues as Serie A returns with a host of fun fixtures this weekend. There’s still a whole lot left to fight for at both ends of the table and if nothing else, this campaign has taught us that there’s plenty of life left in Italian football. Today, we’ll be taking a look at a clash between two of their lesser-known entities as Lecce battle Udinese on Friday night.

Lecce

Upon bouncing back up to the top flight last season, Lecce would’ve been hoping to solidify themselves in an emphatic manner – improving on the last time they were promoted. Instead, though, they’ve dropped off in a big way in recent weeks after a bright first few months, leaving them just a few points above the drop zone. They have quality in their ranks but above all else, they’re seriously lacking confidence.

Team News

Pongracic is out injured for this one as the only absentee for Lecce.

Udinese

Some fans out there may remember when Udinese, as a club, was viewed as the next big thing in Italy. Alas, it’s been a long time since they were mixing it up in Europe with some of the brightest young stars in the game. Nowadays, they are lingering around midtable with no real direction. Hopefully in the summer, they’ll be able to find that push that takes them to the next level.

Team News

Ebosse and Deulofeu are both injured for the visitors.

Factors to Consider

• In their last meeting back in December, Udinese beat Lecce 2-0.
• Lecce have drawn one and lost five of their last six games.
• Udinese have won three, drawn one and lost two of their last six games.
• Lecce have scored two goals and conceded nine in their last six games.
• Udinese have scored nine goals and conceded nine in their last six games.

Conclusion

While Lecce are stumbling in a big way, Udinese don’t exactly have a lot to play for by comparison – and Lecce always seem to play a bit better at home, as demonstrated by their tight encounter against Napoli a few weeks back. We expect this to be a game of few chances with the hosts actually getting the better of some exchanges, and in the end, we’ll be left with a draw as the two share the spoils.

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 43/20

Bookmaker: 888sport