Udinese - AC Monza predictions and free betting tips [03/02/2024]

On Saturday, 3 February, in the frame of Italian Serie A's 23rd round, "Udinese" will host "Monza" on their home field. After a successful stretch in December, the "Zebras" haven't been able to secure a victory in four consecutive matches, while the Lombards comfortably sit at the 12th place in the table with 28 points in their tally.

Predicted Line-ups

"Udinese": Okoye; Ferreira, Perez, Kristensen; Ebosele, Lovric, Walace, Samardzic, Kamara; Pereyra; Lucca.
"Monza": Di Gregorio; D'Ambrosio, Mari, Caldirola; Birindelli, Gagliardini, Pessina, Ciurria; Colpani, Mota; Djuric.

Stadium

The match will take place in Udine at the Dacia Arena.

"Udinese"

Unexpectedly for them, the "Zebras" have found themselves in such a lamentable position this season and they will have to work extremely hard to avoid relegation. At the moment, the Friuli team holds only the 17th place in the Serie A standings, having the same points as the following team, "Cagliari". Before New Year, "Udinese" secured a confident victory over "Bologna" (3:0), but has slowed down ever since: the team hasn't won any of their last 4 league matches (1 draw and 3 losses) and suffered 2 failures — against "Milan" (2:3) and "Atalanta" (2:0).

In general, not only have the hosts conceded more goals in the final 15 minutes, but they also have had to fetch the ball from their own net more than others at home — only the sinking "Salernitana" has a worse record. The "Bianconeri" will play against "Monza" without fan support following racist insults by the tifosi directed at Mike Maignan — an appeal for full disqualification of the stadium was accepted this week. 

"Monza"

Currently, "Monza" holds the 12th place in the Serie A standings and has a comfortable 10-point lead from the relegation zone. However, it will likely be challenging for the Lombards to track down teams fighting for positions in the European competitions. The team has been disappointing their fans recently by losing 4 of the last 7 league matches and winning only twice. After losses to "Inter" (1:5) and "Empoli" (3:0), the red-whites triumphed over "Sassuolo" (1:0) last weekend.

Now, "Monza" will try to win two consecutive Serie A matches for the second time this season, all the more so as the Lombards perform more than decently on the road: they've scored 12 points, bagged 9 goals, and conceded 17 in 11 away matches. Argentine World Champion Papu Gomez is still suspended for doping use, while long-absent forward Caprari is still recuperating in the infirmary. 

Head-to-Head

In their three previous head-to-head battles, including the first round match in October (a 1:1 draw), "Monza" could not overcome "Udinese".

Match Forecast "Udinese" – "Monza"

"Udinese" is in dire need of their second home victory in the current Serie A season, as they sit in the relegation zone, having the same number of points as "Cagliari" but alas, with a disadvantage on goal difference. However, the current form of the "Zebras" doesn't inspire enthusiasm among the fans, while "Monza" performs rather well on the road and is capable of snatching points from any Serie A team. A double chance bet on the visitors seems a safe option. 

Total Bet Forecast

"Monza" has been rather ineffective in their away matches, while Friuli experience difficulties in converting their chances. I don't expect an abundance of goals here and would go for a total goals bet under 3.   

Corner Forecast

"Monza" average about 5 corners per game in the current season, the hosts — 4.5. Both teams need points, so a reasonable bet would be overall total corners over 8.5. 

Yellow Cards Forecast

At least 4 yellow cards were shown in all four previous head-to-head clashes between these teams. The trend should continue on Saturday. 

Correct Score Forecast

My bet for the correct score is 1:1.