Not long ago Cagliari were struggling in the bottom half of the Serie A table and were seemingly heading for a relegation dogfight. However, a very productive January has seen the Sardinians propel up the ladder and reach towards the stars.
Four wins in seven league matches in 2011 have placed Cagliari in ninth position in the league standings with 32 points from 24 matches, a massive ten points above the relegation zone and eight behind a Europa League place.
However, last weekend the Isolani went down 3-1 at home to Juventus and will hope to bounce back in style at the Sant'Elia. Of the 12 league encounters played out in front of their own supporters, Cagliari have won six and lost five.
Flying Without Wings
Just like Cagliari, Chievo too are going higher and higher up the table. Once looking like nosediving into the sundry reaches of the division, the Flying Donkeys have restored themselves and are now floating in the calm waters of the mid-table.
Heading into Week 25 Stefano Pioli's side find themselves in 10th spot with 31 points from 24 matches, nine points above the relegation zone and as many points behind a Europa League slot. Last weekend the Flying Donkeys held Lazio to a 1-1 draw in Rome, and prior to that had defeated Napoli and Brescia.
Chievo are unbeaten in their last three away matches in all competitions and will aspire to get maximum points in Sardinia this weekend.
TEAM NEWS
Cagliari
Laner, Nainggolan and Agostini are unavailable because of injuries.
Chievo
Luciano and Marcolini are injured while Fernandes is suspended.
Prediction
A win for Cagliari seems the most likely outcome. Chievo do have the ability to create an upset in Sardinia but Cagliari are strong at home and should get the points.
Cagliari 2-0 Chievo 
