Prediction: Udinese vs Juventus

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 11/10

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Desperately seeking a boost this weekend, Juventus will travel to the Bluenergy Stadium when they meet Udinese on Sunday evening.

Udinese

Starting with the hosts, while might have secured a 2-0 win against Cagliari last weekend, the Little Zebras came crashing back down to earth earlier in the week. Eventually falling to an action-packed 3-2 defeat at the hands of Venezia, Kosta Runjaic’s side know the importance of dusting themselves down quickly. Flying out of the traps when opening up the new campaign as they collected 13 points from their first five Serie A appearances, the former Legia Warsaw boss is dreaming of the chance to mount a genuine European charge this season. However, heading into October’s international break with a 1-0 loss at the hands of AC Milan, Udinese have shown some recent issues. Signing off September with an action-packed 3-2 defeat against defending champions Inter Milan, Sunday’s hosts have lost four of their previous six Serie A appearances.

Team News

Shown a second-half red card away at Venezia earlier in the week, French defender Isaak Toure will miss out through suspension here. Yet to make a single appearance across any competition so far this season, one-time Barcelona youngster Gerard Deulofeu remains on the sidelines.

Likewise, enduring a nightmare since arriving Giulia over the summer, former Arsenal superstar Alexis Sanchez is not expected to be part of Udinese’s squad. Ex-Aston Villa youngster Keinan Davis could be handed a full recall on Sunday evening.

Juventus

As for the visitors, while Juventus might have gained plenty of initial plaudits following Thiago Motta’s arrival over the summer, the Old Lady are seeking some much-needed stability. Missing out on what they billed as a golden opportunity earlier in the week as they had to settle for a 2-2 stalemate at home against Parma, the former Bologna boss has seen his squad record just a single win from any of their previous five appearances across all competitions. Suffering manor Champions League frustration last week as they fell to an infamous 1-0 loss at home against German outfit Stuttgart, Juventus have also continued to show some real issues at the back. Already sat seven points adrift in the title chase, Motta’s men have also recorded just a sole clean sheet over the past month.

Team News

Once again missing out against Parma earlier in the week and dealing with a recent muscle issue, summer recruit and former Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luis remains a doubt here. Likewise, ex-Fiorentina star Nicolas Gonzalez is not expected to feature on Sunday evening.

Omitted from Motta’s starting XI in midweek and left as an unused substitute, summer recruit and AC Milan loanee Pierre Kalulu will be hoping for a full recall. Finding the net in back-to-back Serie A appearances over the past week, USA international Timothy Weah will partner Dusan Vlahovic in attack.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Udinese and Juventus last met back on February 12th, the Little Zebras collected a famous 1-0 win in Turin.
• Despite their bright start, Udinese have lost four of their previous six Serie A appearances.
• Juventus have recorded just a single win from any of their previous five appearances across all competitions.
• The Old Lady have recorded just a single clean sheet over the past month.
• Four of the last five meetings between Udinese and Juventus have finished with under 2.5 goals.

Conclusion

Eventually forced to settle for a 2-2 stalemate at home against Verona earlier in the week, Juventus have the feel of a squad seeking a much-needed boost. Now recording just a single victory from any of their previous five appearances across all competitions, Sunday’s guests have also shown some extended defensive issues. With just a sole clean sheet to their name over the past month, Motta’s side could be asked some more questions this weekend. Shipping six goals in their back-to-back showdowns outside of Turin, Udinese could be smelling the chance to spring another heavyweight upset.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 11/10

Bookmaker: Olympusbet