Palermo are expected to line up in their usual 4-3-3. The predicted XI from Sports Mole is a beauty: Joronen in goal; a back four of Pierozzi, Bani, Ceccaroni, and Augello; a midfield trio of Estevez, Segre, and Hernani; and a front three of Strefezza, Johnsen, and Pohjanpalo. That is a side with real attacking intent. Pohjanpalo is a proven finisher, Strefezza brings pace and directness, and Johnsen adds creativity in the half-spaces. The midfield is solid, with Segre doing the dirty work and Estevez pulling the strings. This is a team that will look to press high, win the ball in midfield, and knife through Lecce's lines.

Lecce are expected to set up in a 4-2-3-1, a shape designed to be compact and hard to break down. But with a travelling squad that lacks star quality, they may sit deeper and look to hit on the counter. The double pivot will try to shield the back four, but they will face a Palermo midfield that is more dynamic and more hungry. The wide areas are where this game will be won. Palermo's full-backs, Augello and Pierozzi, will push high, and Strefezza will look to isolate Lecce's left-back. Lecce's wide players will need to track back, and that is not always their instinct.

Set pieces could be a factor. Palermo have height in Bani and Ceccaroni, and Pohjanpalo is a threat in the air. Lecce will need to be disciplined, but a rotated side can lose concentration. The game state is likely to be Palermo on the front foot, Lecce absorbing pressure and hoping for a moment of quality. If Palermo score first, the roof comes off, and Lecce could crumble.