Jose Mourinho’s side look to get back to winning ways but these Serie A Roma vs. Empoli predictions suggest this home game will be anything but easy. The visitors are no pushovers and go into Saturday’s match unbeaten in 2023.
Roma vs. Empoli odds
1 – Roma to win – 18/35
2 – Paulo Dybala to score first – 24/5
3 – Stephan El Shaarawy to score anytime – 47/17
4 – Both teams to score – 8/7
5 – A draw at full time – 10/3
Roma welcome Empoli to the Stadio Olimpico with both teams in fine form since the Serie A restart. The Giallorossi lost their first game of 2023 on Sunday evening but put in a fine performance against champions-elect Napoli.
For Empoli, the weekend was also disappointing. They sacrificed a two-goal lead at home to Torino. The Azzurri managed to extend their unbeaten run in the new year but missed out on an opportunity to leapfrog their opponents and climb to eighth in the Serie A standings.
Jose Mourinho’s side may have lost against Napoli, but the manager would likely have been impressed with how his team played. Roma showed the same drive that had previously secured a seven-game unbeaten run – and a similar performance should ensure that Roma take all three points on Saturday.
Against the Partenopei, the visitors matched the shot count of the ruthless home front line and this is a particular area of improvement for the Giallorossi. Since the restart, Roma have scored 1.5 goals per game and looked far more fluid going forward.
One significant reason for this has been the form of Paulo Dybala. The Argentine played a limited role in the World Cup but has returned refreshed, providing three goals and two assists in his last four games. Roma’s new number 21 is our tip to score first on Saturday.
Whilst he might not have the star status of Dybala, potential punters should also take a look at Stephan El Shaarawy. Amid contract talks with the club, the winger has scored two goals in two games and could be a left-field bet to score anytime against Empoli.
Of course, the visitors should not be written off either. The Azzurri proved that they can go toe-to-toe with the best in a win over Inter and a draw against Lazio in recent weeks. In their current form, it may be worth a higher stakes bet on the clash at the Stadio Olimpico to end in a draw with both teams on the scoreline.
How to stream Roma vs. Empoli
Watch Roma vs. Empoli live this Saturday afternoon with a credited bet365 account or by placing a bet up to 24 hours before kick-off.
Roma vs. Empoli last five matches
Roma last five matches
Empoli last five matches
Roma top goalscorers
| Player | Total goals |
|---|---|
| 9 | |
| 6 | |
| 3 | |
| 3 | |
| 3 |
Empoli top goalscorers
| Player | Total goals |
|---|---|
| 4 | |
| 3 | |
| 2 | |
| 2 | |
| 2 |
Roma vs. Empoli line-ups
Roma (3-4-3): Patricio; Mancini, Smalling, Ibanez; Celik, Matic, Cristante, Spinazzola; Dybala, Abraham, Pellegrini
Empoli (4-3-1-2): Vicario; Ebuehi, De Winter, Luperto, Cacace; Akpa, Marin, Bandinelli; Baldanzi; Caputo, Satriano
Roma team news
As the Nicolo Zaniolo saga wears on it is unlikely that the midfielder will feature in the squad for Roma on Saturday. As a result, only Giorginio Wijnaldum is absent from Jose Mourinho’s matchday squad, with Zeki Celik expected to return this weekend.
Empoli team news
Paolo Zanetti has no new injuries to contend with, although he is without Mattia Destro, Ardian Ismajli, Lorenzo Tonelli and Alberto Grassi for Saturday’s match. Few changes are expected from the Empoli boss, despite Nicolo Cambiaghi pushing for a start.