Preview: Juventus vs. Udinese

Serie A leaders Juventus will be looking to put some distance between themselves and the chasing pack as they prepare to take on Udinese at home.

Last weekend's 1-1 draw with Parma allowed both Napoli and Lazio to move within three points of Antonio Conte's side, who have 45 points from 25 games.

Udinese go into the game in eighth place and in steady form, with just one defeat in their last six outings in all competitions.

Antonio Di Natale and Luis Muriel are expected to lead the attack for the visitors, who have Mehdi Benatia and Emmanuel Badu away on Africa Cup of Nations duty.

Juventus are likely to pack the midfield, with Simone Padoin, Andrea Pirlo and Paul Pogba all tipped for starts and Fabio Quagliarella serving as the lone striker up front.

Recent form

Juventus: WWWLWD

Udinese: WDLDWW

Possible lineups

Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Caceres; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Pogba, Padoin; Giovinco, Quagliarella

Udinese: Brkic; Heurtaux, Danilo, Domizzi; Basta, Pereyra, Pinzi, Lazzari, Pasquale; Muriel; Di Natale

Sports Mole says: 2-0