* Catania are currently placed 15th in the Serie A standings with 32 points from 30 matches, just four more than third-from-bottom Lecce.
* The Etnei have won four of the 13 Sicilian derbies against Palermo.
* Diego Simeone’s side have alternatively won and lost their last seven matches in the league. If that pattern is to continue this weekend, then Catania should win the derby.
* Palermo are eighth in the league table with 43 points from 30 matches, seven points behind sixth-placed Roma.
* The Rosanero’s 1-0 win against Milan before the international break brought to an end to their five-match losing streak in Serie A.
* Serse Cosmi’s side have lost their last three away matches in the league and have failed to score in any of them.
LAST MEETING
November 14, 2010: Palermo 3-1 Catania
Palermo registered a comprehensive victory over Catania in the reverse fixture earlier this season. A Javier Pastore hat-trick, his first and so far only in the league, secured the points for the Aquile. Christian Terlizzi was on target for Catania.
PROBABLE LINE-UPS
Catania: Andujar; Alvarez, Silvestre, Spolli, Marchese; Carboni, Lodi; Schelotto, Ricchiuti, Bergessio; Maxi Lopez
Palermo: Sirigu; Bovo, Goian, Migliaccio; Cassani, Acquah, Bacinovic, Nocerino, Balzaretti; Pastore, Hernandez
Prediction
This is a Sicilian derby and anything can happen. Palermo seem to have recovered their form but Catania are struggling for top-flight status. A draw seems to be a likely outcome.
Catania 2-2 Palermo 
