Monza (home)
- At home in Serie B, Monza have scored an average of 1.25 goals per game and conceded an average of 0.50 per game.
- Their narrow double-pivot allows Monza to control possession while their aggressive wing-backs get forward, and their patience in building up play allows them to dominate phases and create overloads in the final third.
- Monza are currently 2nd in Serie B with 31 points from 16 games, a return which puts them on course for another promotion charge.
- Their last two games, however, have seen a 1-1 home draw with Sudtirol and a 2-0 defeat away at Venezia, suggesting that they might be susceptible to a slip-up against the tenacious Carrarese.
Carrarese (away)
- Carrarese have conceded an average of 2.00 goals per game away from home in Serie B.
- Nicola Antonio Calabro’s men are currently 13th in the table with 19 points from their first 16 games, a respectable enough return considering they have spent much of the season with their backs to the wall.
- A 3-1 win over Virtus Entella at home last time out was much-needed after defeats to Palermo (5-0) and Sampdoria (3-2), but a run of one win, two draws and two defeats in their last five games illustrates the inconsistency which is holding Carrarese back.
- Calabro’s side like to sit deep and defend compactly, as befits a team with a back three and a defensive midfield trio.
- However, they lack a true playmaker and must rely on their front two to get to the end of the game’s build-up phases.
- The hosts are strong at home with six wins, one draw and one defeat from eight games, while Carrarese are without a win in their last three away games, drawing once and losing twice.
Key Players
- Dany Mota has four Serie B goals this season after scoring four in 12 league appearances.
- He has a good physical presence and will be the focal point for Monza on Saturday, and will need to outplay Carrarese’s chief goal threat Nicolas Schiavi, who has six goals in 14 league games this term.
- Fabio Abiuso has enjoyed a purple patch for Carrarese recently, scoring three of their last six goals in their previous five games, and he could be a good anytime scorer bet to find the net on Saturday.
Betting Insights
Carrarese have also conceded an average of 2.00 goals away from home in Serie B this season, while Monza have conceded just 0.50 at their own home ground.
Prediction
- With Monza looking to dominate the matchup between two three-at-the-back systems, Carrarese’s chances of pulling off an upset could come from wing-back duels and second-ball wins.
- At 1.79, Under 2.5 goals is an intriguing option given Monza’s average home goals conceded and Carrarese’s away goals conceded, while the home team should have the quality to see out the win.
