Preview: Torino vs. Genoa - prediction, team news, lineups

Torino and Genoa square off in Serie A on Friday evening, having both put together lengthy streaks without recording a win.

While the home side remain in 12th position in the standings, Genoa have recently dropped into the relegation zone.

Match preview

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With 10th place to bottom being separated by just five points, Torino and Genoa will recognise the benefits of being able to get a win on the board at the Olympic Grande Torino Stadium.

However, with neither side being able to record a victory since the middle of September, it remains to be seen how many risks will be taken in the pursuit of a maximum return.

At one stage, Torino had been on course to cement their spot in the top half of the table, but a tough run of fixtures has halted their progress.

On a positive note, Ivan Juric's side claimed a 1-1 draw at home to Lazio and only succumbed by a solitary goal to Juventus and Napoli respectively.

With a trip to AC Milan to come next week, Juric will hope that his team can rediscover their touch in front of goal, particularly in the first half with their earliest strike of the campaign coming in the 45th minute.

Goals have not been such an issue for Genoa with Davide Ballardini's team failing to score on just two occasions since the start of the season.

Seven strikes have come in recent draws with Bologna, Hellas Verona and Sassuolo, Mattia Destro the only player to net more than once during those games.

However, I Rossoblu now have the second-worst defensive record in the division, a consequence of no clean sheets being posted this campaign.

Torino's home record is almost identical to Genoa's form on the road, both clubs acquiring four points from as many games with the latter scoring and conceding twice as many times.

Team News

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After Rolando Mandragora underwent surgery earlier this week, Juric must decide whether to bring in a defensive or attack-minded replacement.

While Ben Kone gave a solid account of himself on his first outing of the season as a substitute, Andrea Belotti may earn a recall after making his comeback from injury.

Ballardini may need to find an alternative at right wing-back with Stefano Sabelli being withdrawn during the first half versus Sassuolo.

Andrea Cambiaso could be handed a recall to the Genoa XI, while Valon Behrami may come in for Milan Badeji in the middle of the pitch.

Having made his first outing of the season last weekend, Felipe Caicedo will hope for an opportunity in attack.

Torino possible starting lineup:

Milinkovic-Savic; Djidji, Bremer, Rodriguez; Singo, Lukic, Linetty, Aina; Brekalo; Sanabria, Belotti

Genoa possible starting lineup:

Sirigu; Biraschi, Vasquez, Criscito; Cambiaso, Toure, Behrami, Rovella, Fares; Pandev, Destro

We say: Torino 2-2 Genoa

With neither team firing on all cylinders, we have little choice but to back a share of the spoils. While Torino are the marginal favourites, we cannot ignore Genoa's ability to get involved in thrilling draws.