Bologna head into Week 26 of the 2010-11 Serie A season placed 14th in the league standings with 29 points from 24 matches. With seven points separating them from the relegation zone, the whisper is that the Rossoblu have no danger of getting entangled in a relegation dogfight any longer.
However, Bologna cannot rest at ease until they have reached the 40-point mark. Last weekend Alberto Malesani's side stuttered to a 3-1 defeat to Sampdoria in Genoa to stretch their disappointing run of results on the road.
At home, though, Bologna are a different side altogether. In 11 league encounters at the Renato Dall'Ara, the Felsinei have won six, drawn four and lost just once.
Getting Back On Track
Palermo suffered a massively surprising defeat to Fiorentina in Sicily last weekend. Delio Rossi's side collapsed 4-2 in front of their own supporters for only their third home league loss of the campaign and handed the Viola their first away win of the season.
That loss coupled with results elsewhere in the Italian top flight dragged the Rosanero to seventh in the league standings on 40 points from 25 matches. Palermo are currently just a point off a European place but five behind Lazio, who are fourth and occupy the final Champions League slot.
Palermo's away form isn't very encouraging as they have won just four times on the road and have conceded 21 goals in 12 matches. However, the Aquile's last encounter away from the Renzo Barbera ended in a 4-2 victory over Lecce.
TEAM NEWS
Bologna
Ekdal, Garics and Britos are injured for Bologna.
Palermo
Cassani, Pinilla, Goian, Darmian and Paolucci are unavailable because of injuries and Balzaretti is suspended.
Prediction
Bologna have proved themselves to be formidable at home and will aspire for a victory over Palermo, who suffered a massive defeat last weekend. Nevertheless, this encounter is likely to end in a draw.
Bologna 2-2 Palermo 
