Empoli vs Roma
2016/17 Italian Serie A.
Date: Sunday, 30 October 2016
Kick-Off: 14:00 UK,
Venue: Stadio Carlo Castellani (Empoli).
Roma won at Sassuolo in midweek to keep hold of second spot in Serie A. They come into the weekend just two points behind leaders Juventus, and they could well be the most realistic challengers for the title. They’ll have to see off second from bottom Empoli on Sunday if they’re to keep up the pace on the Italian champions.
It’s hard to see that being much of a problem, given the form the visitors are in. They’ve won four matches in a row in the league, scoring 12 goals in the process. They’ve lost just two of their last 27 games in the league, which is championship winning form.
Empoli are in a completely different position, they’ve been really struggling for results in the league of late. They’ve failed to score in seven straight games now, despite coming up against some open sides. Teams like Napoli and Inter Milan have been open in recent games, but they’ve both kept clean sheets against the Azzurri.
Those scoring problems have seen them lose four of their last six. They’ve scored just 0.4 goals per game this season in the league, while their games have all been very low scoring. They’ve seen 80% of their matches finish with two goals or less being scored. It’s hard to see them turning anything around against a side who are in fantastic form.
Empoli could really do with a forward like Edin Dzeko to help them right now. The former Manchester City man has been excellent for Roma this term, finding the net 10 times already this season, five times Empoli’s haul so far. On top of that record, he’s scored eight times in just six games in Serie A. The Bosnian forward is clearly in excellent form, and we can see him getting back on the score-sheet again this weekend. He’s certainly worth a look to score any time, at 5/6 with bet365.
Roma have been in great scoring form in general, averaging 2.6 goals per game this term. They’ve scored in nine of their 10 Serie A matches this season, which gives them a huge advantage against a team who are really struggling for goals. Empoli have lost 60% of their games to nil already this season, and we can see this being another. The visitors should have too much class for their opponents, so we’re backing them to win and keep a clean sheet at 7/4 with bet365.
Empoli vs Roma: Head-to-head statistics
- Roma have scored at least two goals in 11 out of their last 13 away games.
- Empoli have not scored in their past seven games.
- Roma have lost just two out of their last 27 games.
- The Azzurri have not won this fixture since February 17, 2007. Since then they have lost four and drawn three across all competitions.
- The Giallorossi have won 12, drawn six, and lost two out of their last 20 road games against teams ranked below them in the table.
- The Lupi have scored 26 goals so far – the most in the league.
- Empoli have won four, drawn six, and lost ten out of their last 20 home matches versus teams ranked higher than them in the table.
- There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 11 out of Roma’s past 12 away games.
Empoli vs Roma: Prediction
With Juventus and Napoli, who are ranked first and third at the start of round 11 locking horns on Saturday, Roma will want to take advantage of any potential slip-ups to keep themselves in the running for the Scudetto. In fact, should Juventus fail to pick up all three points from their game, the Giallorossi could pull level – or potentially surpass – the Bianconeri with an expected win in this fixture.
For all intents and purposes, Roma should have no problems here. Empoli, as noted, are drowning and there appears to be no respite in sight. Dzeko has netted ten, including eight in his last six and the big Bosnian will surely be relishing at the chance to add more to his growing tally against a very weak opponent this weekend. Empoli’s bad attack means that the Giallorossi can look to keep a clean sheet here as well.
Both teams to score – NO at 19/20 (1.95)
Over 2.5 goals at 8/11 (1.73).
