Palermo appeared to have resurrected their season and with three successive wins in all competitions, it seemed that they were on course to fulfilling their ambition to finish in the top four in Serie A. However, the Sicilians’ defeat to Udinese last weekend preceded by their 3-0 humiliation to CSKA Moscow at home in the Europa League has pushed them back to the drawing board.
At the moment Delio Rossi’s side are seventh in the table with 11 points from eight matches and are just two points off a Champions League place. However, Palermo’s form at home has been largely disappointing so far as they have won just once in front of their own supporters.
Nevertheless, Palermo have turned on the style in the big games and they will attempt to do the same on Sunday against league leaders Lazio.
Continuing To Fly
Lazio’s season seem to go from strength to strength as the Aquile continue to fly high in the sky. At the moment Edy Reja’s ferocious side are in pole position with 19 points from eight matches, two points ahead of second-placed Milan.
Last weekend the former Italian champions defeated Cagliari 2-1 in Serie A to extend their winning run in the league to four games. Then in midweek Lazio progressed to the fourth round of the Coppa Italia with ease as they beat Portogruaro 3-0 in Rome.
However, Palermo will provide a stiff test for Lazio and playing away from home will also be a disadvantage. Lazio do have very good players and they will have to step up their game against a Champions League-place chasing Sicilian side.
TEAM NEWS
Palermo
Liverani, Rigoni and Miccoli are out injured for the home side. Pinilla is likely to the lone striker in a 4-3-2-1 system that will have Pastore and Ilicic as the two creative midfielders.
Lazio
Meghni and Cavanda are unavailable because of injuries. Edy Reja will deploy a 4-3-1-2 system that will have Floccari and Zarate as the two strikers with Hernanes playing just behind them. Brocchi, Ledesma and Mauri will be the three medios behind the Brazilian.
Prediction
This is a tough game to call and could go either way. Palermo have the potential to score and bag all three points but Lazio are in a great run of form and could just about carve out a narrow victory.
Palermo 1-2 Lazio 
