Como’s fourth game in ten days meets a Torino side on a three-match winning run
Cesc Fàbregas called it „la nostra quarta nel giro di 10 giorni“ – Como’s fourth game in ten days. Since 14 October they have played in Rotterdam, Florence, against Manchester United in the Champions League and against Sassuolo, and they travel to Lens next Wednesday. Torino have had one more day of rest and arrive on their first three-game winning run in the league since 2019. Ignazio Abate’s side have beaten Udinese, Parma and Monza, scoring eight goals in those three games.
„Affronteremo una squadra che viene da tre vittorie di fila e che avrà quindi molto entusiasmo.“ („We face a side on three straight wins, so they’ll have a lot of enthusiasm.“) – Como coach Cesc Fàbregas
Predicted lineups: Torino vs Como
Torino have lost Rolando Mandragora to a hamstring injury, so Daniel Bragança or Gvidas Gineitis should take his place in midfield. Ricardo Rodríguez and Niccolò Fortini are also out, and Giovanni Simeone is expected to start despite cramp against Monza. Como are without Trevoh Chalobah, Assane Diao and Jesús Rodríguez, and Moise Kean’s shin problem means his minutes need assessing. Nico Paz spent the whole Sassuolo game on the bench and should return. Both XIs follow the prediction from Toro News.
Torino Team News & Preview
Abate is trying to keep a lid on the mood. After the 3-2 win over Monza he warned: „Se ci sentiamo appagati, è l’inizio della fine“ („If we get complacent, it’s the beginning of the end“). The run has been convincing, though. Torino won 3-0 in Parma with two goals from Simeone and a clean sheet for Lucas Perri, before beating Monza 3-2 four days later.
The home record is the weaker part. Torino have won two and lost two at the Grande Torino, with six goals scored and seven conceded. Mandragora’s absence also takes away experience in the middle. Rafik Belghali, with three assists, has been the best-rated player in the squad, and Ché Adams leads the scoring with three goals.
What works for or against Torino
- Three straight league wins, with eight goals scored.
- One more day of rest and no European football.
- Two home defeats in four league games.
- Mandragora is out with a hamstring injury.
Como Team News & Preview
Como are enjoying the best start in their history. They are fifth in Serie A, beat Manchester United 4-1 last week and have won three of their five away league games. Anastasios Douvikas has five league goals, including both in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Sassuolo, and Nico Paz has the best FotMob rating in the squad.
The question is how much is left in the legs. Fàbregas did not commit to rotation, but he will have Venezia on Sunday and Lens next Wednesday in mind, and he is already missing Chalobah, Diao and Jesús Rodríguez. Como followed a 3-2 defeat in Rotterdam with a 3-1 win in Florence, so there has been no easy game in this run.
What works for or against Como
- Fifth in Serie A and 4-1 winners over Manchester United last week.
- Douvikas has five league goals.
- Fourth game in ten days, with Lens away next week.
- Chalobah, Diao and Jesús Rodríguez are out, and Kean is a doubt.
Torino vs Como Odds
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Torino vs. Como Calcio Stats Comparison
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Torino vs. Como Calcio Form Guide
Torino Form, Stats & Data
Torino score more than their 1.34 expected goals per game suggest, and the winning run has come with strong finishing. The underlying numbers are closer to those of a mid-table side, with 3.6 shots on target per game. That is why I am not backing them to win outright, but it is enough to stay in the game against a tired opponent.
Como Calcio Form, Stats & Data
Como dominate the ball, with 60% possession and 6.8 shots on target per game, and on paper they are clearly the better side. Their defensive record is better than the expected goals against of 1.39 suggest, though, and with Chalobah out the back line is less settled.
Torino vs Como: Prediction & Betting Tip
Como are the stronger team on paper, but this is their fourth game in ten days, with a Champions League trip next week and several key players missing. Torino have won three in a row, have had an extra day of rest and have no European football. I think Torino can at least stay close.
Torino’s home record is the main worry. They have lost two of four games at home, and Como’s chance creation is far better than Torino’s. If Fàbregas keeps his best players on the pitch, Como could win comfortably. That is why I am taking the handicap rather than backing a Torino win: Torino +1 Asian Handicap at 1.57 with Winz wins if Torino avoid defeat, returns the stake if Como win by one goal, and loses only if Como win by two or more. I expect a 1-1 draw.