This will not be looked at as one of the standout fixtures in Serie A this weekend. But these Empoli vs. Udinese predictions focus on a match that will be crucial for both sides in the immediate future.
1 – Udinese to win – 19/20
2 – Under 2.5 goals scored – 13/10
3 – Both teams not to score – 21/20
4 – Lazar Samardžić to score anytime – 2/1
5 – Udinese to win 1-0 – 8/1
There has been only one victory celebrated by these two sides in 14 games this season, so there will be little confidence coming out of either camp this Friday. Empoli did manage to get the better of Salernitana after receiving a 7-0 thrashing from Roma, but lost again at the weekend – this time against Bologna.
The Azzurri are already on their second head coach of the campaign, after bringing Aurelio Andreazzoli back to the club. But he will have a big job on his hands to turn around their season – even at this early stage.
It looks as though it will be a very tough year for Empoli – and games like this will soon turn into must-wins. That might not turn out to be the case on Friday evening though.
Udinese have hardly set Serie A alight this season, but there is slightly more talent and depth in the squad. But Andrea Sottil has not been able to out a preferred starting XI as yet, due to the long list of injury absentees.
The draw against Genoa at the weekend will be something to cling on to, especially as the Friuli scored a stoppage time goal to claim the point. If they can use that as an inspiration going forward, there may be a chance of getting something from this trip to the Stadio Carlo Castellani.
Goals have been a rarity though this season. The strikers at the club have either been unfit or just not firing. So, after his move to Inter collapsed in the summer, it could be down to Lazar Samardžic to win the points this week.
Empoli vs. Udinese can be live streamed on the bet365 website. Customer account holders need to have funds in their account or have placed a bet in the 24 hours before kick off to access the action from the Stadio Carlo Castellani.
| Player | Total goals |
|---|---|
| 4 | |
| 4 | |
| 3 | |
| 3 | |
| 2 |
| Player | Total goals |
|---|---|
| 7 | |
| 5 | |
| 4 | |
| 4 | |
| 2 |
Empoli (4-3-2-1): Berisha; Ebuehi, Ismajli, Luperto, Cacace; Maleh, Marin, Fazzini; Baldanzi, Cambiaghi; Caputo
Udinese (3-5-2): Silvestri; Pérez, Kristensen, Bijol; Ebosele, Samardžić, Pereyra, Walace, Kamara; Lucca, Success
Aurelio Andreazzoli will still be looking to see what will end up being a winning formation. But he has precious little routes to take. Ardian Ismajli may come in at the back, while Jacopo Fazzini could start in the middle.
Andrea Sottil has even less room for manoeuvre thanks to the ever-growing injury list at Udinese. He is also without Sandi Lovrić after his red card at Bologna at the weekend. Lazar Samardžic should come in as a replacement though.
