Comovs.Udinese

While the Lariani failed to hold on for a famous win last time out - and ultimately ended up empty-handed - their visitors are unbeaten in four matches.

Match preview

Busy at the very start of this month's transfer market, Como wasted no time in adding new recruits, as last season's Serie B runners-up seek to establish themselves in the Italian top flight.

Two new boys made an immediate impact on Tuesday evening, as Assane Diao scored from an assist by Maxence Caqueret to give the Lariani a lead against local rivals AC Milan; however, they were unable to preserve that advantage.

Conceding twice in quick succession resulted in a 2-1 home defeat, and the Lombardy side have shipped more goals during the last 15 minutes of play (11) than any other club this season - seven have arrived in stoppage time, which is also an unwanted league-high.

Cesc Fabregas has managed to instil some resilience into his troops, though, as Como have lost consecutive league games only once since winning promotion, so they will expect to bounce straight back on Monday.

Hovering just a point outside of the drop zone, the Biancoblu are involved in a multi-club fight for survival, and picking up points on home turf could make all the difference.

In nine matches at the Sinigaglia so far, there have been three wins, three draws and three defeats - a better home record than most of their rivals.

After September's reverse fixture - which saw Udinese come out on top, with Brenner scoring the only goal - the Friulani have won each of their last three top-flight games against Como.

They may be confident of extending that sequence on this occasion, having recently reversed a worrying dip in form - Kosta Runjaic and co head for Lombardy on a four-match unbeaten streak.

Last time out, they held high-flying Atalanta BC goalless in Udine, where they were a little unfortunate not to win: veteran striker Alexis Sanchez struck the woodwork twice within a matter of seconds, in addition to La Dea goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi making some superb saves.

After beating Fiorentina just before Christmas, Udinese have drawn their last three fixtures - recording 0-0 stalemates in both of the last two - which continues a longstanding trend. Since the start of last season, only Juventus (27) have drawn more times than their fellow Bianconeri (24).

Occupying 10th place, just inside the top half of Serie A, their last league defeat on the road was back in November, so a trip to Como should hold few fears.

Como Serie A form:

D

W

L

W

D

L

Udinese Serie A form:

W

L

W

D

D

D

Udinese form (all competitions):

L

L

W

D

D

D

Team News

Having recovered from an ankle injury, Como's chief creator Nico Paz will be ready for at least a place on the bench, giving Cesc Fabregas plenty of options to choose from.

Recent arrival Assane Diao scored on his debut and could start again, while Maxence Caqueret is a strong contender for selection in midfield. Up front, six-goal top scorer Patrick Cutrone is set to hold off competition from Andrea Belotti.

Only Spanish pair Sergi Roberto (calf) and Alberto Moreno (flexor) are ruled out by injury, as Marco Sala and Federico Barba have returned to training.

While Cutrone leads the hosts' attack, fellow Italy international Lorenzo Lucca has scored seven Serie A goals for Udinese this season, including five headers. After serving a suspension, he should reclaim his place, so Alexis Sanchez may drop down to the bench.

Having helped to keep two clean sheets in as many games for his new club, Oumar Solet features in the visitors' defence, along with Jaka Bijol and Thomas Kristensen.

Wing-back Kingsley Ehizibue sustained a thigh injury last week, joining Keinan Davis, Oier Zarraga, Lautaro Giannetti and first-choice goalkeeper Maduka Okoye on the sidelines.

Como possible starting lineup:

Butez; Goldaniga, Dossena, Kempf; Van der Brempt, Da Cunha, Caqueret, Fadera; Strefezza, Diao; Cutrone

Udinese possible starting lineup:

Sava; Kristensen, Bijol, Solet; Modesto, Lovric, Karlstrom, Payero, ​​Kamara; Thauvin, Lucca

We say: Como 2-1 Udinese

Although Udinese are enjoying their best form since the early weeks of the season, there are clear signs that Como have adapted to life in the top flight.

Written by

Jonathan O'Shea

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