Ascoli vs Benevento Predictions

• Benevento have lost three consecutive games in Serie B.
• The visitors have also lost four of their last five matches, only beating rock-bottom Pordenone in that run.
• Ascoli are unbeaten in five games, winning four.
• The hosts are unbeaten in nine games at home.

Serie B play-offs get underway

This weekend sees the start of Serie B’s lengthy play-off process, with sixth-placed Ascoli facing seventh-placed Benevento in a one-legged preliminary affair with a semi-final contest against Pisa at stake. While just two points separated the two sides during the regular season, they come into this contest on the back of contrasting form.

Ascoli have won four of their last five games, drawing the other, to ensure their play-off spot after a mixed run in early 2022. Indeed, Andrea Sottil’s men have only lost one of their last seven games, against fourth-placed Monza, and are unbeaten in their last nine at home, winning seven. Furthermore, Ascoli have kept four clean sheets in their last five games, so will be confident of giving themselves a chance in these crucial end-of-season contests, which often prove to be cagey affairs.

Benevento, meanwhile, come into this game on the back of four losses in five games, their only win in that period coming against a Pordenone side which have earned just 18 points from 38 games. Fabio Caserta’s side finished as Serie B’s best attacking outfit with 62 regular-season goals, but could be demoralised by a run which cost them any chance of automatic promotion.

In-form Ascoli worth backing

Considering the excellent form and defensive solidity of the hosts, who beat Benevento 2-0 in the sides’ most recent meeting in February, the home side look to be worth backing for a crucial victory over their out-of-shape visitors.

Benevento do have a strong attacking record in a generally low-scoring division, however, so a tight 2-1 home win could represent decent value for correct score punters.

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