Catania - Inter - 7M sport

Catania - Inter

Posted Friday, March 12, 2010 by Goal.com

The Nerazzurri will be looking to extend their lead at the top of the table.....

Kickoff: Friday, March 12, 2010, 20:45 CET.
Stadio Angelo Massimino, Catania.

Breathing Space

Catania might still have relegation worries to contend with but the Sicilians have been going pretty strong in Serie A in recent weeks. Sinisa Mihajlovic's side have lost just once in their last six matches in Serie A, winning two of them and drawing the other three.

However, the Rossazzurri are 15th in the table with 28 points from 27 matches and are five points above the relegation zone. So there is some breathing space for them, but Catania shouldn't get complacent.

Catania's home form in the league hasn't been particularly impressve as they have won as many games in front of their own supporters as they have lost. But interestingly, their last defeat at the Angelo Massimino came in December when they went down 1-0 to Livorno. Since then, Sinisa Mihajlovic's side have garnered 11 of a possible 15 points in front of their own fans. However, earlier in the season, Catania went down 2-1 to Inter in Milan.

Stretching The Lead

Inter might consider themselves favourites to progress to the quarterfinals of the Champions League from their tie with Chelsea because of a narrow 2-1 lead from the first leg at the San Siro, but they need to quickly repair themselves in Serie A. The Nerazzurri might be top of the table but they are just four points ahead of second-placed Milan.

Much of this owes to Inter's dip in form in the past few weeks. Jose Mourinho's side have drawn four of their last five matches in the league and, strangely, have not scored in three of those matches.

However, Inter will still be the favourites against Catania and although Mourinho is expected to make a few changes to his side given that the return leg against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge takes place next week, he will like his players to collect maximum points on Friday night so that they increase the pressure on Milan.

FORM GUIDE

Catania
March 7 v Cagliari (A) - DREW 2-2 (Serie A)

February 27 v Bari (H) - WON 4-0 (Serie A)

February 21 v Roma (A) - LOST 1-0 (Serie A)

February 14 v Atalanta (H) - DREW 0-0 (Serie A)

February 7 v Lazio (A) - WON 1-0 (Serie A)

Inter
March 7 v Genoa (H) - DREW 0-0 (Serie A)

February 28 v Udinese (A) - WON 3-2 (Serie A)

February 24 v Chelsea (H) - WON 2-1 (Champions League)

February 20 v Sampdoria (H) - DREW 0-0 (Serie A)

February 14 v Napoli (A) - DREW 0-0 (Serie A)

TEAM NEWS

Catania

Llama, Marchese, Spolli, Bellusci and Plasmati are unavailable while Delvecchio, Andujar, Martinez, Silvestre and Lopez are reportedly struggling with injuries.

Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Andujar, Potenza, Silvestre, Terlizzi, Capuano; Izco, Biagianti, Ricchiuti; Martinez, Maxi Lopez, Mascara

Inter

Chivu is a long-term absentee while Eto'o is doubtful. Samuel is suspended and so is coach Jose Mourinho.

Probable Lineup (4-3-1-2): Julio Cesar, Maicon, Lucio, Cordoba, Santon; Zanetti, Cambiasso, Stankovic; Sneijder; Eto'o, Milito

PLAYERS TO WATCH


Gaston Maxi Lopez (Catania)

The 25-year-old striker might have featured in just six league games for Catania this campaign but he has looked quite impressive. Maxi Lopez has scored twice already for the Sicilians and was on target against Cagliari last weekend in their 2-2 draw in Sardinia. Inter's defence is strong but they will have to see that Maxi Lopez doesn't see too much of the ball.

Wesley Sneijder (Inter)

The Dutch international midfielder is a key player for Inter and he will be looking forward to warming up against Chelsea in the Champions League by orchestrating his ability on Friday night. The former Real Madrid midfielder has four goals and four assists in 17 league appearances to his name and has been Inter's most creative influence in the midfield so far. Catania are a weak side compared to the Nerazurrri and indeed Sneijder will fancy himself demonstrating his range of skills against the Sicilians.

PREDICTION

Inter have struggled for goals in recent weeks and have dropped points that they shouldn't have. So Catania should fancy having a go at Jose Mourinho's side. However, the depth and strength in Inter's squad is massive and they should win the Friday night game with ease.

Catania 0-2 Inter



Attention: Third parties may advertise their products and/or services on our website.7M does not warrant the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of their contents.
Your dealings with such third parties are solely between you and such third parties and we shall not be liable in any way for any loss or damage of any sort incurred by you.