Best Odds: 4/5
Bookmaker:
Two sides who find themselves battling it out at the foot of the Serie A standings, Cagliari will welcome Sassuolo to the Unipol Domus on Monday night.
Cagliari
Starting with the hosts, while Cagliari might have claimed a welcomed boost when opening November, the Islanders have come crashing back down to earth. Although Claudio Ranieri’s men might have secured a Serie A return for this season, the former Leicester boss is desperate for his squad to find some crucial stability. However, last seen putting in another toothless performance as they suffered a 1-0 loss at the hands of Lazio, the Sardinia-based outfit are tipped as a leading relegation contender in 2024. Mustering just 10 points from their first 14 top-flight appearances this season, Cagliari will be more than aware that they face a must-win showdown here. Nevertheless, despite gaining a reputation for their extended issues on the road, Ranieri’s side will be boosted by their recent flurry at the Unipol Domus. It should be highlighted, Cagliari have collected seven points from their last three Serie A contests in front of their own supporters.
Team News
Shown a first half red card away at Lazio last week, Cagliari will be unable to call upon the suspended Antoine Makoumbou here. Likewise, yet to make a single Serie A appearance this season and dealing with a long-term calf injury, Ranieri’s men still remain without the services of one-time Roma defender Elio Capradossi.
Although 21-year-old Zito Luvumbo might have failed to find the net in any of his previous five domestic appearances across all competitions, the Angola international should spearhead Cagliari’s charge on Monday night.
Sassuolo
As for the visitors, although Sassuolo might have signed off November with an action-packed 4-3 victory against Empoli, it appears that might have just been a minor boost for the Neroverdi. Making an immediate return to losing ways last week as they suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Roma, Alessio Dionisi’s men have secured just a single win from any of their previous eight top-flight appearances. With that extended rut stemming all the way back to September 27th, some around the Mapei Stadium are starting to look over their shoulder at a potential relegation scrap. Slipping their way down the Serie A standings and with some mounting pressure on the former Venezia boss should also be worried by his most recent meeting against Monday’s hosts. It should be noted, when Sassuolo last travelled to the Unipol Domus back in April 2022, Dionisi’s side slumped to a 1-0 defeat.
Team News
Shown a straight red card against Roma last week, summer recruit Daniel Boloca will start a three-match suspension on Monday night. Yet to make a single appearance since the start of October, Sassuolo are once again sweating over the fitness of one-time West Ham midfielder Pedro Obiang.
Now bagging back-to-back Serie A strikes since returning from an injury blow last month, 25-year-old Matheus Henrique will certainly have a leading role to play here. Ex-Valencia midfielder Uros Racic could make a first start since November 2nd.
Key Factors to Consider
