These Serie A Udinese vs. Empoli predictions see a Zebrette side in desperate need of a new start in the New Year. For their part, Empoli had a mixed start to the season but will be happy with their current mid-table status.
Udinese vs. Empoli odds
1 – A draw at full time – 16/5
2 – Under 2.5 goals scored – 5/4
3 – Udinese not to keep a clean sheet – 1/2
4 – Beto to score at anytime – 7/2
5 – Udinese to win – 11/17
Udinese get their Serie A campaign back underway on Wednesday after very much an early season of two halves. Following a record-breaking start, Andrea Sottil’s side failed to win any of their seven games leading up to the World Cup break.
Admittedly, the Zebrette did manage five draws in this period including against Atalanta and Lazio. But their league position suffered nonetheless. Having enjoyed a rare period in the top four, Udinese go into Wednesday’s game in eighth, only seven points clear of their opponents Empoli.
The Azzurri had almost the opposite start to their season, winless in their first six but turning it round with a win over Bologna and now sitting on 17 points. Empoli’s only victories this season have come against teams in the bottom half of the table with Wednesday likely to be a real test.
With Empoli improving and Udinese struggling, a draw may be the most likely outcome at the Dacia Arena.
Both teams have struggled with goalscoring, with Udinese averaging just one per game since their winning streak came to an end, and Empoli notching just 12 over the first 15 games. As a result, a wager on under 2.5 goals scored on Wednesday could well pay off.
Udinese’s back line, which looked so secure in the first seven games of the season, was off the pace in November – unable to keep a clean sheet in any of their last three games. Despite Empoli’s struggles going forward, a bet on Empoli to score could provide a solid return.
Even with the negativity over the past few rounds at the Dacia Arena, the poor results could well be down to a case of burnout. If this is the case, the six week’s rest could rejuvenate a Udinese squad that is certainly not short of quality.
Norberto Beto has been particularly impressive, with six goals in just seven starts this season. The forward has been used as an impact substitute, with half of his goals coming off the bench, meaning a punt on the Brazilian to score anytime would mediate the risks of him not starting.
Should Sottil’s front line click once again, Udinese may be able restart the season on a positive note with a win over Empoli on Wednesday.
How to stream Udinese vs. Empoli
Watch Udinese vs. Empoli live on Wednesday with a credited bet365 account or by betting online within 24 hours of kick-off.
Udinese vs. Empoli last five matches
Udinese last five matches
Empoli last five matches
Udinese top goalscorers
| Player | Total goals |
|---|---|
| 10 | |
| 5 | |
| 5 | |
| 5 | |
| 4 |
Empoli top goalscorers
| Player | Total goals |
|---|---|
| 6 | |
| 5 | |
| 4 | |
| 2 | |
| 2 |
Udinese vs. Empoli line-ups
Udinese (3-5-): Silvestri; Becao, Bijol, Perez; Pereyra, Lovric, Walace, Arslan, Ebosse; Success, Deulofeu
Empoli (4-3-2-1): Vicario; Stojanovic, Ismajli, Luperto, Parisi; Akpro, Grassi, Bandinelli; Baldanzi, Bajrami; Satriano
Udinese team news
Destiny Udogie will be a big miss for Andrea Sottil who may look to field Enzo Ebosse in the left back position. Rodrigo Becao and Gerard Deulofeu should both be fit to start, despite struggling with injuries over the December break.
Empoli team news
Lorenzo Tonelli remains sidelined for Wednesday’s game, with Paolo Zanetti likely to stick with his tried and tested centre back pairing. Mattia Destro is also out injured having started only six games this season.