Cagliari vs Pescara: Preview and Prediction

Cagliari vs Pescara
2016/17 Italian Serie A.
Date: Sunday, 30 April 2017
Kick-Off: 14:00 UK,
Venue: Stadio Sant’Elia (Cagliari).

Both Cagliari and Pescara were promoted from Serie B last season, but only one is set to remain in the top flight for the 2017/2018 term.

Pescara’s loss to Roma proved to be effectively the end of their tenure in Serie A. The Delfini are the first team to be mathematically relegated and so they really have nothing left to play for. By contrast, Cagliari come into this game having won over the weekend, which keeps them well clear of the relegation zone.

Despite having one of the worst defensive records in the league, Cagliari are at least helped by their very strong home record. The vast majority of their points come from the Stadio Sant’Elia. Massimo Rastelli’s squad have 50 per cent of their home games (8 out of 16) and that includes a 4-0 drubbing of Chievo in their last home game.

Whilst Cagliari are strong at home, the same cannot be said for Pescara on the road. They have won just once in their travels this season, and that was not even on the pitch. That came about due to Sassuolo’s administrative error, which turned a 2-1 loss for the Delfini into a 3-0 win.

All in all, Pescara have lost 12 out of their 16 home fixture and have failed to win their last 15 road games. Their shaky defensive record will leave them at the mercy of Cagliari’s attack, who will be eager to heap more misery on the bottom-placed side, especially in front of their home fans.

Cagliari vs Pescara: Head-to-head statistics

• Cagliari have a record of W13-D3-L4 in their last 20 home games against teams ranked below them in the table.
• Pescara have a record of W1-D3-L16 in their last 20 away games against teams ranked above them in the table.
• Pescara have conceded at least 2 goals in 12 of their last 15 matches.
• Cagliari have won four of their seven Serie A games against Pescara (D1 L2).
• The Delfini have lost by 2+ goals in 75% of their away defeats.

Cagliari vs Pescara: Prediction

Pescara have lost 20 of their last 25 games, and have shipped at least two goals in 12 out of their last 15 matches. Plus, they’re already relegated, meaning that they have not much left to look forward to this season. In addition, they struggle to score on the road and have managed just more than one goal on the road on only two occasions (which does not include their “win” at Sassuolo). Although they score three against Torino, they were unable to prevent their hosts from scoring five.

Simply put, Cagliari won’t have a better chance to earn three points, as this should be a straightforward win for the hosts. Given their strong attack, a high-scoring affair may also be on the cards.