Roma vs Palermo predictions, betting tips & match preview

Roma are testing out their 100% away record here, up against a side who are better away than at home. Having slipped up in the Europa League in midweek, the hosts will want to bounce back with a win. Can they keep pace with table-toppers Juventus by taking maximum points at home to Palermo this weekend?

Palermo are unbeaten away from home in the early stages of this season, winning once and drawing three. They have managed to find the net in every trip so far, they’re actually scoring a large chunk of their goals away from their own fans. This is their toughest test so far; they head to a side with the best home record in Serie A. If Roma are going to push Juve for the title this season, they need to keep up their strong run at the Olimpico.

Palermo have actually taken all of their points this season on the road. They’re struggling in front of their own supporters, but they’re having little trouble elsewhere. They aren’t expected to add too many more to that tally, with Roma heavy favourites for the points here. They were seen as a side who defended well at home, but that’s changing in recent weeks. With Palermo doing well on their travels, can they dent Roma’s defensive record even more?

The hosts have averaged 0.75 goals against them per game at the Olimpico, scoring 3.25 in return. However, a recent injury crisis at the back has seen them open up more. In midweek Roma drew at home to Austria Vienna in the Europa League, with the away side finding the net three times. They’re going to need a makeshift back-line for this game on Sunday, with five of their defenders missing.

Palermo are averaging a goal per game away from home, and they are scoring from 13% of their chances on the road. Roma are already conceding over 14 shots per game, and that’s bound to get worse with key members of their defence unavailable. The visitors will come here full of confidence, and they’ll be expecting to continue their away scoring streak.

We’re backing Palermo to find the net, but we also see Roma to keep a handle on things here. They’ve got to maintain their perfect home record, as they can’t drop any further off the pace of leaders Juventus. We are tipping the hosts to keep their perfect record going, and we’re going with a home win on the match result and both teams to score market. That’s priced at 8/5 with bet365.