Empoli vs AC Milan Predictions

Empoli vs AC Milan predictions ahead of their Serie A affair. Commencing 2024 with a victory, AC Milan seek to maintain their improved form on Sunday afternoon as they visit Serie A strugglers Empoli at Stadio Carlo Castellani. Will Milan build on a fine run of form? Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.

Serie A | Gameweek 19 — Jan 7, 2024 at 11.30am UK at Stadio Carlo Castellani

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Empoli vs AC Milan Predictions

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Milan’s Quest for Consistency: A Deep Dive into the Rossoneri’s Tuscan Challenge

AC Milan, rejuvenated after a series of victories, face a seemingly straightforward fixture against Empoli, a team embroiled in relegation woes. However, the unpredictability of Serie A, combined with Milan’s recent wobbles on the road, sets up an intriguing encounter at Stadio Carlo Castellani.

Tactical Analysis

Milan, under Stefano Pioli, has demonstrated resilience, bouncing back from a slump to secure vital wins. Their recent success in the Coppa Italia, featuring a resounding victory over Cagliari, indicates a squad depth that could be pivotal in the coming matches. However, their away form has been less than stellar, raising questions about their consistency.

Empoli, steered by Aurelio Andreazzoli, face a dire situation, marred by a lack of goals and porous defense. Their inability to secure points at home adds to the pressure. The team’s struggle for goals, highlighted by their reliance on Francesco Caputo and the misfiring Nicolo Cambiaghi, poses a significant challenge against Milan’s robust defence.

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Key Duels and Gameplay Dynamics

The match is likely to be decided in the midfield, where Milan’s creativity and control could overwhelm Empoli’s defensive setup. The key duel between Milan’s Olivier Giroud, seeking to break his goal drought against Empoli, and Empoli’s defence could be decisive. Additionally, Rafael Leao’s pace and agility on the wings might prove too much for Empoli’s full-backs.

Empoli’s strategy will likely focus on containment and exploiting counter-attacking opportunities. However, Milan’s recent form and attacking prowess suggest a dominant possession-based approach, with occasional quick transitions to catch Empoli’s defence off-guard.

Milan and Empoli: Strengths and Weaknesses

Milan’s strengths lie in their attacking versatility and the depth of their squad. Players like Christian Pulisic and Luka Jovic provide varied attacking options. However, their defensive vulnerabilities, particularly in away games, could be a concern.

Empoli’s main issue is their lack of offensive output, alongside a defence that often falters under pressure. Their reliance on individual brilliance rather than cohesive team play has been their undoing in many matches.

Managerial Matchup

Stefano Pioli’s tenure at Milan has been marked by highs and lows. His ability to rally the team after setbacks is commendable, but his tactical rigidity and questionable substitutions have attracted criticism.

Aurelio Andreazzoli’s struggles with Empoli stem from a lack of resources and inconsistent performances. His tactical acumen is not in question, but his inability to extract the best from his squad consistently is a major concern.

Expected Lineups and Commentary

Empoli Possible Starting Lineup: Caprile; Ebuehi, Ismajli, Walukiewicz, Luperto; Fazzini, Grassi, Maleh; Baldanzi; Cambiaghi, Caputo.

Empoli’s lineup suggests a defensive approach with a focus on midfield control. Caputo’s role as the focal point in attack could be crucial in finding rare opportunities against Milan.

AC Milan Possible Starting Lineup: Maignan; Calabria, Kjaer, Gabbia, Hernandez; Adli, Reijnders; Pulisic, Loftus-Cheek, Leao; Giroud.

Milan’s lineup showcases their attacking intent, with Giroud leading the line supported by dynamic wingers. The midfield duo of Adli and Reijnders will be pivotal in controlling the tempo and providing defensive cover.

Predictions

1. Match Outcome: Milan Win with Handicap (-1) Milan’s superior quality and depth, coupled with Empoli’s struggles, point towards a comfortable win for the visitors. A handicap victory for Milan takes into account their offensive prowess and Empoli’s lacklustre defence.
2. Correct Score: Empoli 0-3 AC Milan Given Empoli’s goal-scoring woes and Milan’s attacking options, a 3-0 victory for Milan seems plausible. This scoreline reflects Milan’s potential to exploit Empoli’s weaknesses while maintaining a solid defence.
3. Goalscorer Prediction: Olivier Giroud to Score Giroud’s experience and knack for finding space in the box make him a likely candidate to score. His motivation to break the goal drought against Empoli adds to the likelihood of him finding the net.
4. Corner Prediction: Milan to Earn More Corners; Total Corners Over 9.5 Milan’s attacking play, involving wide players and crosses, is likely to result in more corners for them. Empoli’s defensive posture could lead to clearances and additional corner opportunities, pushing the total corners in the match above 9.5.

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