Raphael Durand
Dailysports's expert
One of the fixtures of Serie A matchday 37 will take place this Sunday at the Unipol Domus, where local side Cagliari will host Venezia. I’m offering a bet on the outcome of this clash with solid chances for success.
Match preview
The Sardinians approach this match in a tense mood: just one win in their last five games and a painful 3-1 away defeat to Como last weekend have left Cagliari dangerously close to the relegation zone. Nevertheless, the team can count on the support of their home crowd, where they've managed to consistently pick up points this season.
Davide Nicola's men will rely on a familiar formula: tight defense and quick counterattacks. Despite a poor record at the back (54 goals conceded), the club still has a shot at staying in the top flight — and this match could be decisive, as even a draw would suffice for Cagliari.
Venezia have found form at just the right time: two wins and two draws in their last five matches, including a dramatic comeback victory over Fiorentina in the previous round (2-1), have boosted morale and confidence. The team still hasn't won on the road, but nine away draws show their ability to grind and fight until the final whistle.
Currently, Eusebio Di Francesco’s side sits 17th in the Serie A table, one point above Lecce in the relegation zone. To keep their survival hopes alive, Venezia need to break their away winless curse — otherwise, their chances of staying in Serie A will plummet.
Probable lineups
- Cagliari: Elia Caprile – Adam Obert, José Luis Palomino, Gabriele Zappa – Michel Adopo, Nadir Zortea, Antoine Makoumbou, Tommaso Augello, Nicolas Viola – Zito Luvumbo, Roberto Piccoli
- Venezia: Andrei Radu – Joel Chaintienne, Jay Idzes, Fali Candé – Gianluca Busio, Hans Nicolussi Caviglia, Kike Perez, John Yeboah, Mikael Egill Ellertsson – Alessio Zerbin, Gaetano Oristanio
Match facts and head-to-head
- In the first meeting this season, Venezia defeated Cagliari 2-1
- The "Over 2.5 goals" bet landed in three out of five matches
- The "Both teams to score" option was successful in three out of five encounters
Prediction
Cagliari need at least a draw and I’m convinced they’ll play with caution at the back. The hosts haven’t exactly thrilled their home fans with goals this season, so here it’s worth taking "Under 2.5 goals" at odds of 1.75.
