Chievo vs Cagliari
2016/17 Italian Serie A.
Date: Saturday, 19 November 2016
Kick-Off: 14:00 UK,
Venue: Stadio Marc’Antonio Bentegodi (Verona).
Chievo will hope that their strong home record against Cagliari will provide them with a much-needed boost as they welcome the Rossoblu on Saturday afternoon.
It seems like ages ago that Rolando Maran’s side were actually pushing for a European football spot at the end of the season. Normally content to finish somewhere in mid-table, the Flying Donkeys were truly flying. However, things have since taken a downward turn and they now find themselves in the bottom half of the table. Whilst not in danger of relegation, the fact that they have failed to win their past five games is certainly a source of concern.
Chievo will be coming into this game having lost two games on the trot. They, of course, will be loath to make it a third. Perhaps fortunately for them, Cagliari have one of the worst away records in the league so far. The Rossoblu have suffered some humiliating defeats on the road, including a recent 5-1 drubbing by Torino in their last game before the international break.
They have conceded four or more goals – yes, four or more – in three out of their last five games. And two of them were on the road. Still, they also manage to find a way to score, and have seen over 2.5 goals in their past 13 games. Furthermore, Chievo have yet to fire blanks at home, whilst Cagliari, despite their bad away form, also have yet to be shut out on their travels.
Will this make for an entertaining game full of end-to-end action in Verona this weekend?
Chievo vs Cagliari: Head-to-head statistics
Chievo have never lost at home to Cagliari with four draws and six wins out of their last 10 meetings (in Serie A action).
The Flying Donkeys also conceded just four times during that period.
Chievo have kept clean sheets in their last eight Serie A clashes with Cagliari.
The Rossoblu have only managed to draw three out of those games (five defeats).
Cagliari have shipped a whopping 29 goals in just 12 games this term – which is the worst defensive record in the league.
They also have conceded at least two goals in five out of their last six away fixtures.
Chievo vs Cagliari: Prediction
As noted, Cagliari have the worst defensive record so far. Even relegation candidates Palermo, Pescara, Crotone, and Empoli have fared better. At home, Chievo are traditionally strong, albeit there appear to be cracks in that foundation. Still, expect perhaps a few goals here. The Flying Donkeys have yet to be shut out on home turf, whilst Cagliari also have scored in all six of their road games. This, coupled with the Rossoblu’s leaky defense, could see the lead go back and forth several times and result in a relatively high-scoring draw.
Chievo vs Cagliari: Betting tips
Both teams to score at 4/5 (1.80)
Over 2.5 goals at evens
Double chance – Chievo to win or draw at 1/4 (1.25).
