Prediction: Empoli vs Udinese

Verdict: Over 1.5 goals

Best Odds: 4/7

Bookmaker: Luckster

Two camps who are seeking some recent stability, Empoli will welcome Udinese to the Stadio Carlo Castellani on Monday evening.

Empoli

Starting with the hosts, although Empoli might have opened up the new campaign in the midst of what was a sensational flurry, the Blues have struggled to find any real stability over the past couple of months. Suffering a late collapse against Lecce prior to November’s international break as they eventually had to settle for a 1-1 stalemate, Roberto D’Aversa’s men have secured just a single victory from any of their previous seven Serie A appearances. Signing off October with a routine 3-0 drumming at the hands of defending champions Inter Milan, Empoli have also continued to show some extended issues on home soil. Despite claiming a nail-biting 1-0 win against Como earlier in the month, that is the only domestic victory that D’Aversa’s side have recorded at the Stadio Carlo Castellani so far this season.

Team News

All still dealing with respective long-term injury issues, Empoli will once again be without the likes of Tyronne Ebuehi, Samuele Perisan and Poland international Szymon Zurkowski. However, the Blues ate hopeful that one-time Atalanta midfielder Alberto Grassi will be able to return from an ankle issue.

Bagging back-to-back Serie A strikes prior to November’s international break, Torino loanee Pietro Pellegrini will lead the line on Monday evening. Despite failing to find the net over the past couple of months, Lorenzo Colombo should once again partner Pellegrini in the final third.

Udinese

As for the visitors, although Udinese might have clinched a much-needed 2-0 win at home against Cagliari last month, it appears that might have just been a minor boost for the Little Zebras. Crashing back down to earth in a worrying fashion, Kosta Runjaic’s men have come tumbling down the Serie A table. Heading into November’s international break with a 2-1 loss against Atalanta, the former Legia Warsaw boss has seen his squad lose each of their last three appearances. Signing off October with an action-packed 3-2 loss at the hands of Venezia, Udinese have also lost four of their previous five showdowns against Serie A opposition. Failing to build on their eye-catching start to proceedings, it should also be highlighted that Monday’s guests have suffered four consecutive defeats away from the Bluenergy Stadium.

Team News

Yet to make a single appearance since arriving on a free transfer over the summer, Udinese will once again be without former Arsenal talisman Alexis Sanchez. Likewise, dealing with another devastating knee injury, one-time Barcelona starlet Gerard Deulofeu remains on the sidelines.

Arriving from Aston Villa last year on a permanent basis, Keinan Davis will be hoping to keep his spot leading the line. Despite returning from a muscle injury earlier in the month, Denmark U21 international Thomas Kristensen will settle for a spot on the bench.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Empoli and Udinese last met back on May 19th, Monday’s opponents played out a 1-1 stalemate at the Bluenergy Stadium.
• Empoli have collected just a single victory from any of their last seven consecutive Serie A appearances.
• Udinese have lost each of their last three Serie A appearances by an aggregate score of 7-3.
• Likewise, the Little Zebras have lost their last four straight away fixtures by an aggregate score of 9-3.
• Empoli have recorded just a single Serie A victory at the Stadio Carlo Castellani so far this season.

Conclusion

Two sides who are desperately seeking a much-needed Serie A boost on Monday evening, both camps will be looking to kickstart their respective campaigns. With Empoli mustering just a single victory from any of their previous seven appearances against top flight opposition, Udinese have also shown their own extended issues over the past couple of months. Losing each of their final three Serie A appearances prior to November’s fortnight interval, Monday’s guests have also lost all of their previous four away fixtures by an aggregate score of 9-3.

Verdict: Over 1.5 goals

Best Odds: 4/7

Bookmaker: Luckster