The big picture

Ascoli come in 3rd on the ladder with 20 points; Cesena are 12th on 15. Ascoli have the higher position to protect.

Form

Ascoli have won two of their last five and most recently beat Cagliari 2–1.

Cesena have won zero of their last five and most recently lost to Torino 0–5.

Cesena have lost their last five.

Head to head

We have no previous meeting between these two on record, so this one is a genuine first look.

Players to watch

For Ascoli, watch Andrea Soncin (0.3 goals a game, 1 assist in 2006-07) and Sasa Bjelanovic (0.3 goals a game in 2006-07).

For Cesena, watch Grégoire Defrel (0.3 goals a game, 5 assists in 2014-15) and Franco Brienza (0.3 goals a game, 4 assists in 2014-15).

What the numbers say

On form, ladder, Ascoli go in as clear favourites.