Udinese vs Empoli predictions for their Serie A meeting. With a win sufficient to secure their Serie A survival, Udinese host fellow relegation battlers Empoli in a crucial Sunday showdown. Read on for our free match preview and betting tips.
Serie A | Gameweek 37 – May 19, 2024 at 2pm UK at Global Energy Stadium
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Udinese vs Empoli Predictions
Survival Stakes: Udinese and Empoli Battle in Crucial Serie A Clash
Key Stats
– Udinese have won only one home game this season but are undefeated in their last four meetings with Empoli.
– Empoli have failed to score in their last five away matches.
– Lorenzo Lucca leads Udinese’s scoring charts with eight goals this season.
In a match that could determine their Serie A fate, Udinese take on Empoli in a crucial fixture on Sunday. Both teams are battling relegation, and the outcome of this game will significantly impact their chances of survival. Udinese, buoyed by a recent upturn in form, host an Empoli side struggling to find the net and secure points away from home. This encounter at the Stadio Friuli promises to be a tense and closely contested affair.
Udinese: Fighting to Stay Afloat
Udinese find themselves in a precarious position, just above the relegation zone with two matches left in the season. Their recent 2-0 victory over Lecce was a vital result that lifted them out of the bottom three. Goals from Lorenzo Lucca and Lazar Samardzic were enough to secure the points, giving the Friulani a much-needed boost in confidence.
The appointment of Fabio Cannavaro as head coach has started to pay dividends, as the team has shown signs of improvement, particularly in their ability to close out matches. Despite their struggles throughout the season, Udinese have managed to stay competitive in recent games, and their destiny remains in their own hands. With one more home fixture against another relegation-threatened side, Udinese must capitalise on this opportunity to secure their Serie A status.
Empoli: Desperate for Points
Empoli enter this match in dire straits, sitting just one point behind Udinese and in the relegation zone. Their recent form has been abysmal, particularly away from home, where they have lost their last five matches without scoring. The Tuscan side’s offensive struggles are glaring, as they have failed to find the net in eight of their last ten games.
Davide Nicola’s arrival as a mid-season replacement was intended to bring stability and tactical acumen to a struggling team, but the results have been mixed. Empoli’s inability to score and secure points has left them in a vulnerable position. With their final game of the season against a strong Roma side, this match against Udinese represents a critical opportunity to claw their way out of the relegation zone.
Tactical Setups and Expected Lineups
Udinese (3-5-2)
- Goalkeeper: Okoye
- Defenders: Perez, Bijol, Kristensen
- Midfielders: Ehizibue, Payero, Walace, Kamara, Samardzic
- Forwards: Pereyra, Lucca
Fabio Cannavaro is likely to stick with the formation that brought success against Lecce. The three-man defence will aim to provide solidity at the back, while the wing-backs offer width and support in attack. Samardzic and Pereyra will be key in linking midfield and attack, with Lucca looking to add to his goal tally.
Empoli (4-4-2)
- Goalkeeper: Caprile
- Defenders: Bereszynski, Ismajli, Luperto, Pezzella
- Midfielders: Gyasi, Maleh, Marin, Grassi
- Forwards: Cambiaghi, Caputo
Davide Nicola might opt for a more traditional 4-4-2 formation, aiming to shore up the defence while providing a platform for quick counter-attacks. The midfield will need to be disciplined and work hard to prevent Udinese from dominating possession. Up front, Caputo and Cambiaghi will be tasked with breaking their scoring drought and posing a threat to Udinese’s defence.
Key Areas and Duels
The midfield battle will be crucial in this match. Udinese’s Walace and Payero will look to control the tempo and disrupt Empoli’s play, while Marin and Grassi will need to be combative and creative for the visitors. On the wings, Udinese’s Ehizibue and Kamara will aim to stretch Empoli’s defence, with the full-backs Bereszynski and Pezzella tasked with containing them.
The duel between Udinese’s Lucca and Empoli’s centre-backs, Ismajli and Luperto, could also be decisive. Lucca’s physicality and finishing ability will test Empoli’s backline, which has been leaky in recent matches.
Gameplay Prediction
Udinese are expected to take the initiative, pressing high and seeking an early goal to settle nerves. Empoli, given their recent form, might adopt a more cautious approach, focusing on defensive solidity and looking to exploit counter-attacking opportunities. The game’s flow will largely depend on Udinese’s ability to break down a potentially deep-lying Empoli defence.
Areas for Improvement
Udinese: The Friulani need to maintain their recent defensive improvements and avoid late lapses in concentration that have cost them points this season. Improving their finishing will also be key, as they have missed numerous big chances.
Empoli: The Azzurri must find a way to end their goal drought and improve their attacking efficiency. Greater composure in front of goal and better support from midfield will be crucial.
Managerial Strengths and Criticisms
Fabio Cannavaro has brought a sense of stability and tactical discipline to Udinese, but his team’s inconsistent performances have raised questions about his ability to motivate the squad consistently. Ensuring his players remain focused and disciplined in this high-pressure match will be essential.
Davide Nicola has experience in managing relegation battles, but his tenure at Empoli has been marked by an inability to turn around their poor form. His tactical decisions have been scrutinised, and he will need to inspire a better performance from his team if they are to have any hope of survival.
Expected Goals (xG) Analysis
Udinese’s expected goals (xG) average reflects their offensive capabilities, while Empoli’s xG highlights their struggles in front of goal. Udinese’s higher xG suggests they are more likely to create and convert chances, supporting predictions of a low-scoring game in their favour.
Predictions
Best Bet: Udinese to Win
Considering Udinese’s recent improvement and Empoli’s dreadful away form, a win for the home side seems the most likely outcome. Udinese’s better organisation and home advantage should see them secure the crucial three points.
Correct Score Prediction: Udinese 1-0 Empoli
Given Empoli’s scoring woes and Udinese’s recent defensive improvements, a low-scoring match is expected. A 1-0 victory for Udinese aligns with their need to secure points without taking unnecessary risks.
Goalscorer Prediction: Lorenzo Lucca to Score Anytime
Lucca has been a key player for Udinese, leading their scoring charts with eight goals. His recent form and confidence from scoring against Lecce make him a strong candidate to find the net again.
First Half Result: Udinese to Lead
Udinese’s urgency to secure survival and Empoli’s poor away form suggest the home side will aim to start strongly. An early goal for Udinese could set the tone, making them likely to lead at half-time.
Innovative Market Prediction: Total Shots on Target Over 10.5
Both teams average a fair number of shots on target per game, and the high stakes of this match should result in numerous goal attempts. Udinese’s offensive intent and Empoli’s need to attack to secure points make this a plausible market.
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