Udinese vs SPAL Predictions

Udinese have another chance to push for safety when they host SPAL this week. The hosts are fresh from a vital win, while now they have the chance to pile on to SPAL’s misery. Both of these sides were set to fight against the drop this term, but Udinese will be hoping they can ease their fears ahead of appointing a successor to manager Igor Tudor next week.

The Zebrette sacked their manager last week after shipping 11 goals in two games, having previously agreed to give Tudor the Genoa game to turn things around. However, they took early action and were rewarded for it. The change saw Udinese win 3-1 at Genoa, an impressive result at a relegation rival who have been left on the verge of the drop as a result of that defeat.

SPAL are another side who are in danger of the drop, with their terrible campaign leaving them bottom of the pile heading into this clash. The visitors come here with only seven points from their 11 Serie A games this term, form which has put them on the fast track to Serie B. The away side can’t seem to shake their poor form, with a 1-0 loss to Sampdoria last weekend a damning result which suggests more trouble is ahead.

SPAL have been dreadful on the road this season, losing all five of their trips this term. Not only that, but the visitors have lost each of those away games without scoring. They’ve converted just 5% of their chances this term, but they concede almost 20 shots per game on their travels. That’s bad news for a side who come into this one seemingly at rock bottom following eight defeats in 11.

Things are looking better for Udinese, even without a manager to steady the ship. The hosts are fresh from an away win, while they’ve won two from three at home. SPAL have lost each of their meetings with bottom half sides this term, so they are headly a team to show up for a relegation six-pointer. We think this one is sitting perfectly for a home win, so we are backing Udinese to take the points.

Udinese have secured three wins at home this season, all of which have been 1-0 victories. They’ve seen under 1.5 goals in 64% of their league games, while they’ve conceded just four times in six home games this season. Meanwhile, SPAL have a dreadful scoring record on the road. Overall the visitors are goal-shy, scoring just 0.64 per game in the league. With that form behin both sides, we’re backing a low scoring contest, with a 1-0 Udinese victory our correct score tip for this one.