Cagliari vs Hellas Verona

Cagliari

<p>Cagliari [LDLWW] welcome Hellas Verona to the Sardegna Arena in a Serie A encounter that carries very different objectives for the two sides as the season enters its decisive phase.</p> <p>The hosts sit 12th in the table with 25 points, a relatively comfortable position that reflects a campaign of steady progress rather than relegation anxiety.</p> <p>Verona are rooted to the bottom in 19th place with 14 points, knowing that every remaining match is rapidly turning into a must-win if they are to keep survival hopes alive.</p> <p>Cagliari’s recent form has been encouraging. They have won 50% of their last six league matches, a signal of improved consistency and an increased ability to capitalise on favourable situations.</p> <p>That run has helped create breathing space above the relegation zone, giving the side confidence heading into this home fixture.</p> <p>Despite that, the historical head-to-head record offers a note of caution. Cagliari have won just two of their last 12 Serie A meetings with Verona, a surprisingly poor return that suggests this fixture has often been awkward for the Sardinian club.</p> <p>Even when Cagliari have been in the stronger position on paper, Verona have regularly found ways to frustrate them, making this far from a routine assignment.</p> <p>A 3-5-2 formation with Semih Kiliçsoy and Esposito in attack is expected against Verona.</p>

Hellas Verona

<p>Verona's overall form paints a worrying picture. They have managed only two wins in their last 20 Serie A matches, a run that underlines the scale of their struggles.</p> <p>Defensive fragility and a lack of cutting edge in attack have been recurring themes, contributing to a campaign in which defeats have become all too frequent. In total, Verona have lost 12 of their 24 league games so far, a record that explains their current position at the foot of the table.</p> <p>Goals have been particularly hard to come by for the visitors. Verona are averaging just 0.82 goals per league match, one of the lowest returns in the division.</p> <p>That lack of firepower has often left them chasing games and relying heavily on defensive resistance, which has not always been enough to compensate for their attacking shortcomings.</p> <p>For Cagliari, this match represents an opportunity to consolidate their mid-table status and potentially put further distance between themselves and the relegation battle.</p> <p>For Verona, it is another test of character in a season that has offered few positives.</p> <p>Verona could mirror Cagliari’s 3—5—2 formation with Gift Orban and Amin Sarr in attack.</p>