13 March 2015
Keeping to the script?
History bodes well for the Bianconeri, who have won over half of their previous 51 Serie A encounters with the Rosanero - 30 to be precise.
Five of these triumphs have come in the last five games, which also feature as many clean sheets.
Curiously enough, Palermo enjoyed a similar run of successes themselves between 2009 and 2011, stringing together four wins in a row.
The last stalemate between the sides was played out on 25 September 2004, a 1-1 draw featuring a goal from Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Strong home form
Ever since Lazio romped to a 4-0 triumph in late September, Palermo have made the Stadio Renzo Barbera a fortress, claiming 26 points courtesy of seven wins and three draws.
In addition, they have tightened things up at the back following that humbling loss, failing to concede more than one goal in their ensuing Serie A games.
Early risers
Palermo and Juventus are Serie A’s most prolific teams inside the opening half-hour of games, scoring 18 goals each during this period.
Scorers and providers
Argentine duo Carlos Tevez and Paulo Dybala are Serie A’s top contributors to goals this season. Not just deadly finishers with 15 and 12 strikes respectively, they have also weighed in with seven assists apiece.
The only player to top their assist haul in Italy’s top flight is also expected to feature on Saturday evening, Palermo’s Franco Vasquez has nine to his name.
Familiar foes
Leonardo Bonucci, Claudio Marchisio and Arturo Vidal all count Palermo among their favoured Serie A victims, each recording two goals against the Sicilians.
Vidal will be looking to make it three in as many games against the Rosanero after opening the scoring in this season’s reverse fixture at Juventus Stadium and converting a penalty on the last day of the 2012/13 campaign.
Case of the ex
Could a former player come back to haunt their previous club? Andrea Barzagli, who returned to competitive action in midweek against Sassuolo, appeared on 142 occasions for the Rosanero between 2004 and 2008, scoring three goals.
Simone Pepe also has Palermo connections after making his top flight debut with them during the opening stages of the 2005/06 season. He has developed a knack of scoring against his previous employers, hitting a total of four since departing the Renzo Barbera midway through that campaign.
