Como host Genoa in an Italian Serie A fixture on Sunday, with both teams looking to break into the top half of the table. The hosts are building momentum lately and should get the better of the visitors, who tend to struggle on their travels.
Como have enjoyed an impressive debut campaign in the Serie A having faced no relegation danger all season. They will be pushing for a place in the top half in the final weeks of the season, sitting just one point off 10th placed Udinese.
Cesc Fabregas’ men have been particularly impressive in recent weeks and head into Sunday’s clash with three straight wins. They eased to a 3-0 victory at Lecce in their previous fixture, with top scorer Assane Diao netting a brace.
Genoa are also pushing for a place in the top half and currently sit above Como only on goal difference. However, their recent form has been patchy, with just two wins in the last eight matches, suffering a 2-0 home defeat to Lazio last time out.
One of the problems Genoa have had this season is a poor record on their travels, failing to win in their last eight Serie A away matches. Patrick Vieira's men also tend to struggle in attack on the road and have failed to score in three of their last four away matches.
How the bookies view it: Smooth sailing for Como
Como have been installed as overwhelming favourites among the bookies and are priced at 5/6 with BoyleSports to claim the win. A victory for Genoa is valued at 18/5 by BoyleSports, who are also offering 5/2 for a draw.
Head to head: Evenly matched rivals
Como and Genoa have claimed two wins each and three draws from seven previous matches. Both teams battled to a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture.
Players to watch: Fast-rising Diao
Diao continues to enhance his reputation as one of the fastest rising youngsters around. The forward is the leading scorer for Como with eight Serie A goals this season and is priced at 5/2 by BoyleSports to find the net once again.
Como have looked solid at the other end of the pitch lately, with shutouts in their last two matches. Edoardo Goldaniga has been a mainstay at the back for the hosts and with Genoa struggling for goals on the road, another clean sheet could be on the cards at 5/4 with BoyleSports.
Probable line-ups
Maximo Perrone is suspended for Como while Sergi Roberto and Alberto Dossena are sidelined with injury. Tasos Douvikas should lead the line once again with Diao and Nico Paz providing support, while Goldaniga should continue at the back.
Genoa are set to welcome back Morten Frendrup, who returns after missing the draw at Verona through suspension. Andrea Pinamonti should lead the line once again while Koni De Winter is expected to retain his place in defence.
Como: Butez, Vojvoda, Goldaniga, Kempf, Valle, da Cunha, Engelhardt, Ikone, Paz, Diao, Douvikas
Genoa: Leali, Sabelli, De Winter, Vasquez, Zanoli, Masini, Badelj, Aaron Martin, Miretti, Vitinha, Pinamonti
Anything else catch the eye?
Como have scored first in four of their last five matches and could be set to grab the opening goal on Sunday at 4/6. They have also scored in both halves in two of the last three fixtures and a repeat is priced at 23/10 with BoyleSports.
Como have won to nil in their last two matches and with Genoa struggling for goals on the road, a similar outcome is expected at 15/8.
This Serie A match between Como and Genoa will be played on and kick off at 14:00. Check below for our tipsters best Como vs Genoa prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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