Lecce vs Empoli Predictions

Lecce vs Empoli predictions for this Serie A fixture. Bottom-placed Lecce seek crucial points to escape last place in Serie A as they host Empoli at Stadio Via del Mare on Friday. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.

Serie A | Nov 8, 2024 at 7:45pm UK at Stadio Comunale Via del Mare

Lecce vs Empoli Predictions

Can Lecce Break Their Goal Drought Against a Steadfast Empoli Defence?

• Lecce’s Lacklustre Attack: With only four goals scored in 11 matches, Lecce rank as one of the least effective teams offensively in Serie A, a worrying sign for a relegation battle.
• Empoli’s Defensive Record: Empoli have only conceded nine goals in 11 games, thanks to their disciplined backline led by standout centre-back Mattia Viti.
• Lecce’s Poor Finishing in Front of Home Crowd: Lecce’s struggles continue at home, where they have managed just 0.8 goals per game this season, adding to their woes in Serie A.

Our Tips

As Serie A heads into Matchday 12, two teams grappling with early-season woes meet on Friday evening as bottom-placed Lecce host Empoli at the Stadio Via del Mare. Both sides have faced a challenging season thus far, though Empoli’s mid-table position, largely credited to their defensive resilience, contrasts with Lecce’s spot at the bottom, mired in a string of disheartening performances. It’s not just points at stake in this clash; both teams have to shake off the lack of confidence and momentum that has shadowed them all season.

Lecce’s recent form has been dismal, with only two wins under their belt, leaving them in a desperate scramble to climb out of the relegation zone. Scoring has been a monumental task for the Salentini, who have managed only four goals in 11 matches. In their last outing, a rare victory over Hellas Verona sparked a hint of optimism, but that was quickly dashed as they reverted to their familiar struggles in a 1-0 loss against Bologna. Luca Gotti’s men are battling a dual crisis—both an anaemic attack and a leaky defence that has conceded an average of nearly two goals per game. The numbers are stark and grim for Lecce, whose fans are all too familiar with the sinking feeling of relegation-threatening seasons.

Empoli, meanwhile, are performing slightly better in the standings, but they’re far from free of concerns. Their strength lies in their defensive structure, having conceded just nine goals so far, a feat only bettered by Juventus and Napoli. Yet Empoli’s offensive struggles mirror those of Lecce, as they’ve only netted eight times. Their recent 1-0 victory over Como, though slim, at least showed a capacity to grind out points, but scoring remains a problem, particularly on the road. While Empoli have lost just once in their last seven away matches, their success largely hinges on frustrating opponents rather than outscoring them. This defensive discipline, however, might just be enough to edge out a fragile Lecce side.

Best Bet: Under 2.5 Goals

Given the low-scoring trends and defensive emphasis both teams are likely to employ, the safest bet here looks to be Under 2.5 Goals. Lecce’s attack has been one of the weakest in Serie A this season, with a mere four goals in 11 matches—an average that paints a bleak picture of their offensive capabilities. Their struggles are underscored by the fact that they’ve failed to score in 11 of their last 14 league games, a statistic that highlights a chronic inability to break down defences. Moreover, the pressure on Gotti to deliver points may see him adopt a more cautious approach, likely aiming to avoid conceding rather than risking a more open game.

Empoli’s backline, marshalled by the ever-energetic Mattia Viti, has proven to be one of the most formidable in the league’s mid-table teams, conceding only nine goals. This defensive prowess has been crucial to their campaign, as they’ve kept five clean sheets in their 11 matches. Their away record also suggests a pragmatic approach; they’ve managed to score in seven straight away fixtures but rarely by more than a single goal. Given Lecce’s difficulty in finding the net and Empoli’s defensive strategy, this fixture seems destined to be a cautious, low-scoring affair.

BettingTips4You.com expert Luca Pratesi puts it aptly: “With both Lecce and Empoli struggling for goals and prioritising defensive stability, we’re looking at a match where chances could be few and far between. Under 2.5 Goals offers great value here.”

The clash between Lecce’s leaky defence and Empoli’s conservative, defence-first approach should lead to a cagey affair. Expect both teams to focus on keeping things tight at the back, making the under 2.5 goals prediction a likely outcome.

Correct Score Prediction: Lecce 0-1 Empoli

In line with the expected low-goal nature of this encounter, a 1-0 victory for Empoli seems a reasonable prediction. Lecce’s recent history has been marked by a sequence of narrow losses, where they’ve struggled to score but have often managed to hold on defensively until the dying moments. Empoli, on the other hand, have shown an ability to capitalise on defensive lapses from struggling teams, often winning by slender margins, as their victory over Como demonstrated.

Empoli’s attack is far from prolific, but they’ve been opportunistic enough to eke out results in tight matches. Lecce’s defence, which has allowed a concerning 20 goals this season, could falter under Empoli’s calculated pressure, especially if the Tuscan side are allowed time on the ball in Lecce’s half. The visitors, under manager Roberto D’Aversa, are tactically astute and may well take advantage of a weakened Lecce defence with a single, decisive goal.

Lecce, for all their defensive troubles, are unlikely to open up too much given their current predicament, and this could result in a close match where Empoli nick the win by the narrowest of margins.

Want to have exclusive tips from experts tipsters delivered right into your inbox? Subscribe Now To Our Newsletter. We will never spam, we fully respect your privacy!

Selected Bookmakers Offers