Empoli vs Chievo: Preview and Prediction

Empoli vs Chievo
2016/17 Italian Serie A.
Date: Sunday, 23 October 2016
Kick-Off: 14:00 UK,
Venue: Stadio Carlo Castellani (Empoli).

Two goals. That is how many goals Empoli have netted so far this season, making their attack the worst-performing in the league. And they have failed to score in their past five games. It is not even one-third through the 2016/2017 Serie A season, but Empoli are looking pretty good to be one of the four or five teams involved in a dogfight to avoid the drop.

That is, until they turn things around quickly, but it does not look promising. Not only do they have problems scoring, but they also can’t seem to keep a clean sheet – even at home. So far, the Azzurri have lost three out of their first four home matches. Their solitary victory was a 2-1 result against Crotone, and even there, they could not keep the Serie A debutants from gaining some hope by grabbing an equalizer.

Furthermore, despite enjoying a man advantage for well over an hour against Genoa, Empoli not only failed to score, but also had to settle for a draw. Not exactly encouraging for a team welcoming an opponent who has managed to surprise most this season. Meanwhile, Chievo, who usually are content to pick up the unofficial “safe” number of 40 points per season, have been very impressive. Rolando Maran’s side have won three out of their last five games. Their two defeats were to Napoli and AC Milan – two sides who have been in largely excellent form this season.

The Flying Donkeys sit just out of the cusp of a European football spot, and surely will want to take advantage of Empoli’s struggles to pick up a much-needed three points.

Empoli vs Chievo Head-to-head statistics

• Empoli have failed to score in their past five matches.
• The Azzurri have also failed to win their last five games.
• Chievo have won their last two away matches.
• The Flying Donkeys have won 12, drawn four, and lost four out of their last 20 away games against teams ranked below them in the table.
• Empoli have lost 10 out of their last 20 home games against teams ranked above them in the table (five wins, five draws).
• Chievo won this corresponding fixture of last season by a 3-1 margin.

Empoli vs Chievo: Prediction

Empoli’s bad form, coupled with Chievo’s much stronger one, will lead most to argue that the Flying Donkeys will take all three points in this one. Still, one should never underestimate an opponent who are already involved in a desperate battle for survival. Furthermore, Chievo are coming into this game having lost 3-1 at home – which is a place they have long prided themselves as being like a fortress.

The visitors are highly unlikely to lose this game, but a win is not necessarily guaranteed – especially if Empoli manage to hunker down the way they did against Genoa.

Empoli vs Chievo: Betting tips

Double Chance – Chievo to draw or win at 11/20 (1.55)
Under 2.5 goals at 1/2 (1.50).