The Sardegna Arena is the stage for this highly-anticipated encounter as Cagliari and Venezia lock horns in the Italian top-flight. Read on for our expert tips and predictions.

This would be the first top-flight meeting between both sides in two decades. Venezia has won three of the four games in which both sides have met, however, with their struggling form, would we see them continue this unbeaten run ?

Relegation six-pointer on the cards

Cagliari have just two points on the board after six games played having lost four and drawn twice. The arrival of Walter Mazzarri has prompted some sort of positive response with the side claiming a point away at Lazio, however, they have been brought back to earth with two straight losses since then. Most recently at the Estadio Diego Maradona, a goal in either half from Napoli condemned them to their fourth loss of the season. This Friday’s game represents a huge chance for them to get off the mark given that it’s against a side around the dropzone, however, a loss in a game like this could be disastrous for them.

Venezia, unlike their opponents, got their first win of the season early this month with a 2-1 victory away at Empoli. Since then, they’ve lost to Milan and Venezia before picking up a point away at Torino last time out. A 78th-minute penalty from Mattia Aramu cancelled out Josip Brekalo’s opener as Venezia and Torino settled for a share of the spoils.

Cagliari vs Venezia Team News

Cagliari possible starting XI:
Cragno; Zappa, Walukiewicz, Godin, Caceres; Strootman, Deiola; Nandez, Marin, Balde; Pedro

Venezia possible starting XI:
Maenpaa; Mazzocchi, Svoboda, Ceccaroni, Ebuehi; Crnigoj, Ampadu, Busio, Kiyine; Aramu, Okereke

Cagliari vs Venezia Prediction: 2-1

Cagliari have shown flashes of brilliance since Walter Mazzari took over and although they haven’t picked up maximum points since we see them finally getting off the mark this Friday.