Empoli vs Udinese highlights
Competition: Italy - Serie A
Date: Monday, November 25, 2024
Kickoff: 17:30 UK / 18:30 CET
Venue: Stadio Carlo Castellani, Empoli
This weekend's Serie A Gameweek 13 pits Empoli against Udinese in a very interesting encounter pitting the two teams fighting to move out of the lower mid-table. The visiting Empoli will be battling it out at the Stadio Carlo Castellani as both teams eye important points.
Betting Tips: Empoli 1X (Double Chance)
Empoli's recent performances hint at a resurgence, earning five points from their last four matches despite a narrow loss to titleholders Inter Milan. While their scoring woes persist—netting only nine goals in 12 matches—their defense has shown resilience, particularly at home.
Meanwhile, Udinese is finding it hard to get into form, having lost four of their last five matches. Despite a strong start away from home, their recent away record includes four straight losses. With Empoli having a solid defensive setup and the comfort of playing at home, the Azzurri are in a good position of not losing this match.
Empoli's Form and Team News
Recent Matches:
- Lecce 1-1 Empoli
- Empoli 1-0 Como
- Empoli 0-3 Inter Milan
- Parma 1-1 Empoli
- Empoli 0-1 Napoli
Empoli's attack has been its Achilles' heel, as Pietro Pellegri's goal against Como ended an eight-match home drought. Injuries have piled up for coach Roberto D'Aversa, who will be without players such as Saba Sazonov, Tyronne Ebuehi and Jacopo Fazzini. Faustino Anjorin remains questionable because of muscle problems while Sebastiano Esposito and Alberto Grassi might not be risked.
Probable Lineup:
- Goalkeeper: Devis Vasquez
- Defenders: Viti, Ismajli, Goglichidze
- Midfielders: Pezzella, Maleh, Haas, Henderson, Gyasi
- Forwards: Pellegri, Colombo
Udinese's Form and Team News
Recent Matches:
- Atalanta 2-1 Udinese
- Udinese 0-1 Torino
- Udinese 0-3 Lazio
- Cagliari 2-0 Udinese
- Udinese 2-0 Sassuolo
The problems for Udinese lie in consistency, especially on the road. Their early season promise has faded, and injuries have further compounded their problems. The absence of Alexis Sanchez-who has yet to make his debut-remains a blow. Martin Payero's ligament injury adds to their midfield woes, but Oier Zarraga is expected to step in.
Probable Lineup:
- Goalkeeper: Marco Silvestri
- Defenders: Perez, Bijol, Ebosse
- Midfielders: Ferreira, Walace, Zarraga, Samardzic, Kamara
- Forwards: Success, Thauvin
Head-to-Head (H2H) Stats
- May 19, 2024: Udinese 1-1 Empoli
- October 6, 2023: Empoli 0-0 Udinese
- March 11, 2023: Empoli 0-1 Udinese
- January 4, 2023: Udinese 1-1 Empoli
The two teams have recently been well matched, sharing three draws from the last four meetings. This has set the scene for low-scoring affairs, with the defensive setup often dominating.
Match Prediction
Empoli's steady improvement, combined with Udinese's struggles on the road, gives the home side the edge. While both teams have found goals hard to come by, a tight contest is likely. Empoli's defensive solidity could frustrate Udinese, leading to a draw or a narrow home victory.
Predicted Score: Empoli 1-1 Udinese
Key Stats and Insights
- Empoli has scored just one home goal this season, though it led to a crucial win.
- Udinese has lost their last four away matches, conceding eight goals.
- Both teams have averaged fewer than one goal per game in Serie A this season.
Conclusion
Empoli’s improved form and home-field advantage make them slight favorites against a struggling Udinese side. For bettors, a 1X double chance provides good value, given Udinese's recent poor away form. Fans can expect a low-scoring game, as has been the trend in both teams’ recent matches.
Betting Tip: 1X (Double Chance)
Predicted Outcome: Empoli 1-1 Udinese