Juventus vs Palermo Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Juventus’ push for the treble this season really starts up again in midweek, when they return to Champions League action. Because of their European commitments, this clash has been moved to Friday night. The Italian champions shouldn’t have any problems as they aim to continue their march to the Scudetto. They’re facing 18th placed Palermo, a side in serious relegation trouble. Having lost 3-1 at home to Atalanta last weekend, how are they going to fare against the league leaders?

By playing early this weekend, Juventus have the chance to improve on their commanding lead. They can go 10 points clear of second placed Roma with a victory over Palermo, with just 13 matches to play after this game. It’s odd to think that the title race seemed possible a few weeks ago, with the chasing pack struggling to match up to this new look Juve side.

Max Allegri has switched to a 4-2-3-1, in order to get his most attacking talents on the pitch at the same time. The move has worked wonders, as it’s inspired six straight victories. That run has put them back on top of the form table, and comfortably clear of the rest of Serie A. Despite sacrificing a defender for an attacker, they’ve not let their defensive record slip. The champions have kept a clean sheet in 50% of their home games so far, conceding just 0.5 goals per game. Allegri’s side have scored 2.5 per match at Juventus Stadium, which shows how dominant they are in Italy.

Somehow, they’ve managed to get even better at the back since making their attacking switch. Juventus have won to nil in all five of their league games since the change. They’ve now won and kept a clean sheet in seven of their last eight in the league, while they’re yet to drop points at home in Serie A this term. It’s hard to think of any side in the top five leagues who are anywhere near as dominant as Juve are in Italy.

It’s hard to see Palermo ending that form, given that they’ve averaged 0.87 points per game on the road this season. On top of that, Juventus have won to nil in their last nine encounters with the Rosanero. It’s hard to see the strugglers managing to score against the champions and their impressive, improving defence, so we’re backing a clean sheet for the hosts. We’re backing a win to nil for the home side, which is priced at 4/7 with bet365.