Verdict: Keinan Davis over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 20/21
Bookmaker: Luckster
Desperate to skyrocket their way back into the Champions League spots, Juventus will travel to the Bluenergy Stadium when they meet Udinese on Saturday night.
Udinese
Starting with the hosts, essentially sat in Serie A limbo, Udinese have failed to find any real fluidity this season. Despite getting March underway with a thumping 3-0 victory against relegation scrappers Fiorentina, that is the only win that Kosta Runjaic’s side have registered from their previous five top-flight appearances. Last seen suffering a dramatic late collapse on Bergamo as they eventually had to settle for a thrilling 2-2 stalemate against Atalanta, the Little Zebras will know the importance of finding some crucial defensive steel. Including consecutive 2-1 defeats against Lecce and Sassuolo last month, Udinese have recorded just a pair of clean sheets from any of their last 13 Serie A appearances – a run that stems back to their iconic 1-0 victory against reigning Italian champions Napoli on December 14th.
Udinese Team News
Missing out against Atalanta last weekend with a reported ankle sprain, Udinese are once again sweating over midfield starlet Nicolo Bertola. Likewise, former Salzburg defender Oumar Solet is still dealing with a recent muscle injury and will not play any part here.
Finding the net in back-to-back Serie A appearances and already registering eight direct goal contributions in his previous nine appearances across all competitions (six goals, two assists), one-time Aston Villa striker Keinan Davis will spearhead Udinese’s attack.
Juventus
As for the visitors, claiming what was an essential Serie A boost last weekend as they stormed their way to a thumping 4-0 victory at home against Pisa, Juventus will be dreaming of a repeat display here. However, watching their Champions League adventure come to an infamous end on February 25th as they eventually fell to a 7-5 aggregate defeat against Galatasaray, the Old Lady have come under some serious scrutiny since opening the New Year. Facing an uphill battle in the race to book a top-four finish this season, Juventus will have plenty of pressure on their shoulders this weekend. Registering consecutive domestic wins on just a single occasion so far this calendar year, Luciano Spalletti’s men could face a potential banana skin when they travel to Udinese on Saturday night.
Juventus Team News
Still dealing with a long-term groin injury and expected to complete a summer move away from Turin, Serbian international Susan Vlahovic remains on the sidelines. Likewise, Swedish midfielder Emil Holm is still dealing with a foot issue.
Storming their way to that thumping 4-0 victory against Pisa last weekend, Spalletti could be tempted to name an unchanged starting XI. Despite notching just five Serie A strikes since arriving from Lille last summer, Canadian striker Jonathan David should keep his spot leading the line.
Udinese vs Tottenham Key Factors to Consider
- When Udinese and Juventus last met for a Coppa Italia showdown on December 2nd, the Old Lady claimed a 2-0 victory in Turin.
- In fact, Juventus have won each of their last four meetings against Saturday’s hosts by an aggregate score of 9-1.
- One-time Aston Villa striker Keinan Davis has registered eight direct goal contributions in his previous nine appearances across all competitions (six goals, two assists).
- Juventus have remarkably shipped 14 goals in just their last four appearances outside of Turin.
- Eight of Juve’s last nine matchups away from the Allianz have finished with over 2.5 goals.
Conclusion
Despite winning each of their last four meetings against Udinese by an aggregate score of 9-1, Juventus have continued to show a string of glaring defensive issues outside of Turin. Remarkably shipping 14 goals in just their previous four appearances on the road, Saturday’s guests have also failed to register consecutive domestic wins since the start of January. Although the Old Lady might be pencilled in as a real standout contender this weekend, Spalletti’s inconsistent squad will be firmly under the microscope.
Verdict: Keinan Davis over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 20/21
Bookmaker: Luckster
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