Last weekend Palermo suffered a disappointing result as they went down 3-1 to Cagliari in Sardinia. It was the Rosanero's first loss of the new year and their first in seven competitive fixtures.
The loss had effects on their position in the Serie A table as Palermo slipped out of the top-six into seventh place. Delio Rossi's side, who have been largely an enjoyably and hugely entertaining and attacking team, are now three points off a Europa League slot and four behind fourth-placed Inter.
Palermo's objective this season is to finish in a European place and after an encouraging first half of the 2010-11 campaign, the Aquile would be expected to even fight for a place in the top four and a place in next season's Champions League.
However, last weekend's defeat means that Palermo will now have to embark on yet another unbeaten run and start regaining momentum.
Swinging From Hope To Despair
A look at the Serie A table would suggest that Brescia are doomed for relegation. Perennially stuck in the bottom-three, the newly promoted Italian side look almost certain to play in Serie B next campaign.
Just 18 points in 20 matches mean that Brescia are second from bottom, just a point from safety. Of course, the likes of Lecce and Cesena, two sides immediately above them, are as much in danger of going down the yawning trapdoor as them, but Brescia cannot hope for others to fall more rapidly than they do.
But hope springs eternal and Brescia keep on swinging from the branch of despair to the bough of optimism. Last weekend's 2-0 home victory over Parma was Mario Beretta's side first win since the second week of December and suddenly whispers of survival have been conceived.
TEAM NEWS
Palermo
Hernandez, Pinilla, Goian and Garcia are unavailable for the Sicilians while Carrozzieri continues to serve his suspension.
Brescia
Sereni, Eder, Vass and Taddei are injured for the visitors and will miss the trip to Palermo. Bega and Diamanti are suspended.
Prediction
Anything other than a victory for Palermo will be a massive surprise.
Palermo 2-0 Brescia 
