Bitesize Prediction: Spezia vs Empoli – 19/12/12

Competition: Serie A

Market: Empoli win

Odds: 13/8 @ 888sport

Two sides who should find the mood in their camps at a polar opposite, Empoli will make the trip to a struggling Spezia on Sunday afternoon.

Starting with the hosts, last seen putting in another nightmare display earlier in the week, there is no doubt that there is growing pressure on Thiago Motta’s shoulders. Watching his Spezia side come crashing out of the Coppa Italia thanks to a shock 2-0 defeat against Serie B outfit Leece on home soil, the former PSG star finds his downbeat squad at the heart of a relegation scrap. Last seen on top-flight duties also suffering a routine 2-0 defat at the hands of Roma, the Aquilotti have failed to win any of their last six straight contests, losing five of those outings. Likewise, with just a single win to their name since way back on October 16th, fans around the Stadio Alberto Picco will also have a real headache over their side’s problems in the final third. Drawing a blank in four of their last five appearances, Motta’s men could be in for another tough test here.

As for the visitors, while Spezia might find themselves in the midst of a real nightmare, the same cannot be said for a high-flying Empoli side. Last seen in midweek when landing a stunning 4-3 win against Verona on the road and extending on their Coppa Italia adventure, Aurelio Andreazzoli’s side have gained a host of fans since making their Serie A return over the summer. Skyrocketing their way up the table and opening Sunday’s trip to the relegation scrappers sat ninth, the Blues will be smelling another golden chance here. Finding a way to build off of their famous 1-0 win against Napoli on December 12th, Empoli are unbeaten in their last five outings, recording four wins. In fact, with just a single defeat to their name since the end of October, we’re backing an away victory at attractive odds on Sunday afternoon.

Bet: Empoli 13/8 to beat Spezia in Sunday’s Serie A contest @ 888sport