[D-Kin]

Serie A Week 19 - 14/1/07 (14.00 UK)
Palermo - Udinese

Stadio Barbera

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Udinese make the long trip south to the Stadio Renzo Barbera for a clash with high-flying Palermo. Both sides were in stuttering form before Christmas, with the Sicilians seeing their Scudetto hopes crushed and the Bianconeri’s bid for Champions League qualification slipping away.

However, despite their sloppy play, Giovanni Galeone’s men remain just three points off fourth place and they have some key players returning to their starting line-up after the 3-0 defeat to Milan prior to the winter break. Sulley Ali Muntari is still serving a suspension, but Raffaele De Martino should make his comeback after a ban in place of Roman Eremenko. Also set to return are Dias Felipe and Cesare Natali.

For a while, Palermo had looked like upsetting the odds to launch a stunning bid for the Scudetto this term, but they clearly got in the festive spirit too early last year as they won just one of their last five matches of 2006. To compound matters, Brazilian striker Amauri, who played a key role in their flying start, picked up a knee injury against Siena and is unlikely to play again this term.

However, rather than dipping into the transfer market, the Rosanero have vowed to give Andrea Caracciolo a fair crack of the whip – starting this weekend. The lanky forward will be ably assisted by Mark Bresciano, returning in place of Roberto Guana, and David Di Michele. The tricky winger started last term in Friuli, but moved to Sicily 12 months ago. He netted in the corresponding fixture for the Barbera boys and will fancy his chances of doing likewise this time out, given his impressive form.

Francesco Guidolin’s only other expected change is likely to come in the form of Aimo Diana, with the ex-Samp midfielder being tipped to replace Mattia Cassani. Given their impressive home form this term, Palermo will expect to run out winners against a side who struggle on their travels – and we can expect goals from Serie A’s third highest goalscorers.

Man on fire: David Di Michele (Palermo) – Despite his side’s struggles before Christmas, Di Michele stood out as the one bright spark. He will be a constant threat against his old club.

Last season: Palermo 2-0 Udinese

Form guide: Palermo (D W L W D) Udinese (D L W W L)

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Palermo (probable): Fontana; Zaccardo, Barzagli, Biava, Pisano; Diana, Corini, Simplicio; Di Michele, Bresciano; Caracciolo

Udinese (probable): De Sanctis; Zenoni, Natali, Zapata, Felipe; De Martino, Obodo, Pinzi; Barreto, Iaquinta, Di Natale

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