Monza
- Monza have won four of their last five matches.
- SSD Monza 1912 currently occupy 2nd place in Serie B with 60 points from 29 matches, while Palermo are 4th with 57 points from 29 games.
- Paolo Bianco’s hosts have won 11 of their 14 home matches, drawing two and losing one.
- Monza’s recent form is strong, with Bianco’s side winning two of their last two home games, but Palermo have also shown good form with four wins from their last five, the last two of which came consecutively against Mantova and Carrarese.
- Paolo Bianco has set up Monza in a 3-5-2 formation which has allowed them to build-up in numbers in central areas, with the two wing-backs in possession providing width and numerical superiority for the home side.
Palermo
- Palermo have won one and lost one of their last two away games.
- Filippo Inzaghi’s visitors have won five of their 14 away matches, drawing six and losing three.
- Filippo Inzaghi’s 4-3-3 is more direct and much more high tempo.
- The Rosanero will press high up the field in a suffocating manner, before trying to play direct and vertical passes when they get the ball.
- This should create a fascinating contrast between the two teams’ styles and should lead to some open transitional play at both ends of the field.
Head-to-Head
The head-to-head record between the sides is split, with each side winning once and no draws, but Monza are yet to beat Palermo at home.
Key Players
- Monza’s Andrea Petagna has six goals in 18 Serie B matches, while Joel Pohjanpalo is Palermo’s talisman with 20 goals in 29 Serie B games.
- Pohjanpalo has scored five of Palermo’s last ten goals, while Antonio Palumbo has been their creative hub with three assists in their last five.
Betting Insights
The odds on a Monza win are simply too short at 2.11 , but ‘Both Teams to Score - Yes’ does have some profit potential at 1.77 .
Prediction
A Monza home win looks the most likely outcome, but Palermo carry a big goal threat and look to be in the mood to get on the scoresheet, so expect both teams to net in what should be an exciting Serie B promotion battle.
