Two teams in desperate need of a win face off on Saturday for these Empoli vs. Udinese predictions. Neither side has secured three points in the last six rounds of Serie A, with the chasing pack hot on their heels.
Empoli vs. Udinese odds
1 – A draw at full-time – 5/2
2 – Both teams to score – 11/14
3 – Beto to score anytime – 7/4
4 – Under 3.5 goals scored – 10/29
5 – Udinese to win – 31/21
Udinese travel to the Stadio Carlo Castellani as they take on Empoli in the Saturday afternoon kick-off. The Zebrette’s season has fallen by the wayside after a phenomenal start, however their accumulated points have effectively already secured Serie A survival – a welcome experience for Friuli fans.
The same cannot be said for Saturday’s hosts, however, as a poor run of form has seen Empoli pulled back towards the bottom of the table despite a strong start to 2023. Paolo Zanetti’s side now sit just ten points clear of 18th placed Verona, with 13 games to play and a trip to face the Gialloblu on the penultimate day of the season.
As a result, this weekend’s fixture may carry more weight than at first it seems, with a win capable of turning the tide for either team. That being said, with so much on the line, and with neither side securing a win in their last six matches, a draw may well be the most likely option.
In fact, the parity between the two teams does not stop at their respective form, but also in the scoreline of recent encounters. In their last three meetings each team has won once, with one draw, with both teams scoring in each clash. As a result, a wager on both sides to hit the target once again on Saturday could well pay off.
In particular, Udinese danger man Beto is worth looking out for. Despite his team’s poor form, the forward needs just three more goals to register his most prolific season of his career. With Gerard Deulofeu out for the Zebrette, the goalscoring burden is very much on the number nine to make the difference against Empoli.
Sottil’s side held out last weekend to keep a clean sheet against Atalanta, who despite their current poor form are a strong attacking outfit. Should the likes of Beto succeed in opening the scoring for the visitors, there is no reason why a bet on a rare Udinese win should not provide a healthy return.
How to stream Empoli vs. Udinese
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Empoli vs. Udinese last five matches
Empoli last five matches
Udinese last five matches
Empoli top goalscorers
| Player | Total goals |
|---|---|
| 6 | |
| 5 | |
| 4 | |
| 2 | |
| 2 |
Udinese top goalscorers
| Player | Total goals |
|---|---|
| 10 | |
| 5 | |
| 5 | |
| 5 | |
| 4 |
Empoli vs. Udinese line-ups
Empoli (4-3-1-2): Persian; Stojanovic, Ismajli, Luperto, Parisi; Akpa, Marin, Bandinelli; Baldanzi; Satriano, Caputo
Udinese (3-5-2): Di Silvestri; Becao; Bijol; Perez; Ebosele, Arslan, Walace, Lovric, Udogie; Success, Beto
Empoli team news
Few if any changes are expected from Paolo Zanetti despite last weekend’s defeat to Monza. Nicolo Cambiaghi remains a key absence up front especially given the continued injury problems for Mattia Destro.
Udinese team news Andrea Sottil may look to make a few tweaks as the Udinese boss looks to release his attacking players. Roberto Pereyra could return to the starting line-up, while Florian Thauvin may be in line for a rare start. Deulofeu remains sidelined though.