Serie A returns at the weekend with a top six match-up between Juventus and Cagliari. Juventus head into the fixture level on points with Inter Milan but sit one place behind the Nerazzurri due to goal difference.
Cagliari are sixth in Serie A but there is a belief their dream season is coming to an end. The Islanders have overachieved this season but are now winless in four of their last five games. They have suffered back to back losses with Lazio and Udinese both claiming wins.
The Islanders have not defeated Juventus since the 2009-10 Serie A season. Juventus are 18 matches unbeaten against Cagliari since suffering that defeat with 15 of those games ending in wins for the Bianconeri.
Juventus have been nearly unstoppable at home collecting 22 points from 24 possible. They have conceded just nine goals while scoring 18 times. Their only home blemish was a draw to Sassuolo, 2-2, prior to Christmas.
Cagliari’s away record has been good with the Islanders taking 13 points from 24 possible. They have only conceded nine times away from home with 13 goals tallied. Despite suffering just one defeat on the road, Cagliari are winless in five of their last six games away from home.
Juventus did the double against Cagliari last season winning by a combined scoreline of 5-1. Their match at the Allianz Arena ended 3-1.
The big news surrounding Juventus this month deals with the possible transfer for Paul Pogba. The Manchester United player was left out of the Red Devils’ recent match against Arsenal due to his attitude. A sale in January could be on.
Meanwhile, it looks likely that often-injured midfielder Emre Can will leave in January. Arsenal and Manchester United are interested in the former Liverpool man.
Six of the last 10 matches between Juventus and Cagliari saw over 2.5 goals scored. Four of those same matches saw both sides find the back of the net.
With Cagliari’s form, Sunday’s game should once again see both clubs find the back of the net in a high-scoring match. Juventus should get the win against their top-six rival putting more pressure on Inter Milan at the top of the table.
Cristiano Ronaldo leads Juventus in goals with 10 in Serie A. The forward could be on the scoresheet once more against the Islanders. Ronaldo has not scored against Cagliari previously and should be hungry to score post-Christmas.