Udinese vs Pescara
2016/17 Italian Serie A.
Date: Sunday, 23 October 2016
Kick-Off: 11:30 UK,
Venue: Dacia Area (Udine).
Struggling side Udinese will be desperately seeking a rebound as they take on fellow floundering outfit Pescara at Dacia Arena this Sunday.
The Zebrette were surely heartbroken not to get anything out of their last game against Juventus. Despite taking the lead, new coach Luigi Delneri was unable to mark his debut with a victory at Juventus Stadium. Last season saw them shock the Bianconeri at that same ground and leave with all three points. But unfortunately, they could not pull off the same kind of upset, and now find themselves already involved in an early battle to avoid the drop.
With just one point from their last five games, Udinese are currently on a three-match losing streak, but they will have a great chance to turn things around. Pescara, who are back in Serie A after four seasons, have not fared any better. The Delfini have won just one game this season, and that was back in August when they beat Sassuolo 3-0.
Massimo Oddo, however, is simply expected to try to keep Pescara in the top flight this season. Unlike Udinese, who are used to featuring in Serie A, the Delfini have only appeared five times prior to this term. Both teams are tied on seven points, albeit Udinese sit in 17th whilst Pescara rest just above in 16th. With Palermo lurking just behind on six points, whoever wins this game could put a bit more distance between themselves and the relegation candidates.
Udinese vs Pescara Head-to-head statistics
- Udinese have conceded at least two goals in five out of their last six Serie A games.
- Pescara’s only win this season was on the road – 3-0 over Sassuolo.
- The Delfini have only managed to keep a clean sheet once (0-0 draw with Torino).
- The Zebrette have won just one home tie (2-0 against Empoli).
- They have maintained clean sheets in two out of their last eight Serie A games (2-0 vs. Empoli and 1-0 vs. Milan).
- There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 6 out of Udinese’s last 7 home games.
Udinese vs Pescara: Prediction
Usually, the home pitch advantage helps most sides, but unfortunately, in the case of Udinese, playing at the Dacia Arena doesn’t seem to have helped much. The Zebrette haven’t won since August and will obviously be looking to break that frustrating record this Sunday. Meanwhile, Pescara have an awful away record, with just one win in their last 13 road games.
Udinese were pretty decent against Juventus, although they were unable to leave Turin with any points in hand. Nonetheless, expect that disappointing reversal to have them fired up. And with a new coach on the bench, there will be even more added incentive to put on a good showing for their fans. Udinese should be able to edge out Pescara and pick up a much-needed home victory.
Udinese vs Pescara: Betting tips
Udinese to WIN at 17/20 (1.85)
Both sides to score – YES at 3/4 (1.75).