Udinese vs Roma: Betting Odds & Prediction
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Udinese hope to distance themselves from the relegation zone as they host an in-form Roma side on Sunday evening.
Roma secured a 3-1 home victory in the reverse fixture earlier this season. Kick-off is set for 5pm UK time.
Recent Form
Udinese
Udinese’s season that started off in worrying fashion as it took until their eleventh game to earn a victory. Recently, it’s been a mixed bag as they have recorded a win, two draws and two losses from their last five games.
Despite languishing in 15th heading into the game, Udinese have the 19th-worst home record in Serie A, recording just one win on home turf all season. They also have the most home draws in the league with nine, which accounts for 56% of all matches as hosts. 'The Little Zebras' have simply not been clinical enough, scoring an average of just 1.13 goals a game. Udinese have failed to score in a third of their games.
They have not shone in defensive quarters either, with an average of 1.56 goals conceded per game despite averaging an expected goals against (xGA) of 1.27. Udinese have only recorded two clean sheets at home so far.
Interestingly, Gabriele Cioffi’s men are a bit of giant killer. All of their wins this season have come against Milan, Bologna, Juventus and Lazio - sides all in the top half of the table - a stat which bodes well as they prepare for fifth-placed Roma's visit.
Roma
Roma have shone since Daniele De Rossi took over as interim manager, recording just one defeat in eleven matches. The sole loss came to runaway leaders Inter Milan. They also recorded a 1-0 home victory over rivals Lazio in their most recent outing.
Despite winning only 33% of their matches this season, this figure increases to 60% since De Rossi took charge. Roma are currently outperforming their expected goals (xG) tally of 1.23 with an average of 1.4 scored per away game, averaging a 15% shot conversion rate.
A win will see them pile pressure on fourth-placed Bologna as De Rossi and co look to secure Champions League football next season.
Prediction
Though Udinese have performed well against the better sides this season, an away victory remains the sensible pick here as Roma continue to improve under Daniele De Rossi.