Sampdoria – Torino : Preview & Prediction
Although there is still a mathematical chance of survival, Sampdoria seem to have resigned themselves to the fact that their 11-season stint in Serie A (SA) is coming to an end. After suffering their biggest defeat of the campaign when they were crushed 5-0 by Fiorentina last time out, they reluctantly consolidated their position at the bottom of the standings, while just one win in their last 16 league games illustrates their struggles of late (E5, P10).
Sampdoria are now ten points from the safety zone with only 18 to play for, and it is difficult to see where the powers for an eventual recovery could come from considering they have the weakest attack in the league (20 goals scored) and the worst goal difference (-37). That said, Torino’s arrival could be welcomed by Dejan Stanković’s side, with Sampdoria having lost just two of the last 11 meetings against this opponent at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris.
Torino should look to their recent record against Sampdoria for inspiration, as they have won the last three league games they have played against this opponent, and therefore could secure back-to-back league doubles with another win this time around. Coach Ivan Jurić and company would welcome a return to winning ways, with the 2-1 loss to Atalanta last weekend meaning they have now failed to win five of their last six games (E2, P3).
As a result, the “Toros” have dropped to 12th in the standings, but producing a strong finish to the season will pay dividends, as all teams from 13th to eighth were separated by just three points before the start of this round. Playing away from home could be key for Torino, as they are unbeaten in their last three away assignments (G2, E1) and in two of those cases they also kept a clean sheet.
Players to watch: Sampdoria can look to Mehdi Léris for inspiration, as nine of his last ten goals have been the first goal of the engagement. Torino’s Nikola Vlašić could be the one to hit back if needed, as he scored nine of his last 13 goals after the break — the most recent of which came in the reverse fixture between these two sides.
Standout stat: Sampdoria have found themselves trailing at halftime on 17 occasions, which is the highest number in the entire league this SA season.
Sampdoria – Torino : Betting Tips
Torino – Win Odds: 1.90
