We examine three upcoming Serie A matches taking place this weekend and we suggest a bet in each game.
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SATURDAY
EMPOLI v NAPOLI– Click here to bet
Empoli faces a challenging task as they host Napoli this Saturday, coming off yet another setback with a 1-0 loss to mid-table team Lecce over the weekend. This defeat extends their losing streak to five in their last six league matches. Currently positioned 17th on the table, Empoli teeters on the edge of being drawn into a relegation battle, with just a single point separating them from the dreaded relegation zone. Their home form has been less than impressive, with three wins, four draws, and nine losses so far this season. With only six games remaining, Empoli will need to elevate their performance significantly to avoid being dragged further into the relegation battle.
Empoli have averaged 0.75 goals per game at home this season, with under 2.5 goals arriving in 68.75% of those encounters (11 out of 16)
Napoli heads to Empoli after a disappointing 2-2 draw at home against Frosinone, dropping crucial points that could impact their European aspirations at the end of the season. This result also extends their streak to thirteen consecutive matches in all competitions where they’ve conceded at least one goal. Currently sitting 8th on the table, they trail Roma by six points, who currently occupy the last European qualification spot. However, Napoli has been consistent on their travels in the league, with seven wins, five draws, and four defeats so far.
Napoli have averaged 1.75 goals per game away from home this season, with over 2.5 goals slightly favoured at 50% of those games (8 out of 16).
Head to Head
Empoli won the reverse fixture 1-0 earlier in the season with Napoli winning 2-0 in this fixture last season.
Verdict
It seems reasonable to expect both teams to score, especially considering Napoli’s defensive vulnerabilities at the moment. The hosts cannot afford to falter, given their precarious position on the table. However, keeping Napoli from scoring is unlikely, given their strong away record.
Suggested Bet: Both Teams To Score, yes at 15/20
SUNDAY
SASSUOLO v US LECCE– Click here to bet
Sassuolo faces US Lecce in an early afternoon kickoff this Sunday, following a crucial point earned in a thrilling 3-3 draw against AC Milan last weekend. This marks their third consecutive draw in domestic matches. Despite holding a 3-1 lead by the 53rd minute, Milan’s persistent pressure led to a shared point for both teams. Currently sitting 19th on the table, Sassuolo is embroiled in a battle for league survival, with just three points separating them from escaping the relegation zone. Their remaining fixtures are crucial for their Serie A survival. At home, Sassuolo’s record shows mixed results, with four wins, five draws, and seven losses so far this season.
Sassuolu have averaged 1.37 goals per game at home this season, with over 2.5 goals arriving in 50% of those encounters (8 out of 16)
US Lecce, currently 13th on the league table, will enter this Sunday’s clash away to Mapei Stadium off the back of a hard-fought 1-0 win over Empoli. Struggling to string results together, it was a welcoming three points for the Salentini. With just five points separating these two sides, the visitors can ill afford to relax, knowing how tightly congested the bottom half of the table currently is structured. Having obtained just five points from their last ten league appearances on their travels, sums up their weakness for the road, having registered just one win, six draws, and nine defeats away from home thus far.
US Lecce have averaged 0.68 goals per game away from home this season, with under 2.5 goals arriving in 62.5% of those games (10 out of 16)
Head to Head
The reverse fixture resulted in a 1-1 draw earlier in the season with Sassuolu winning 1-0 in this fixture last season.
Verdict
Sassuolo could be the way to go given their position on the table and the context of the remainder of the season. The hosts can ill afford to drop points at home, knowing that survival mode has to kick in if they are to avoid relegation.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result, Sassuolu at 27/20
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TORINO v FROSINONE– Click here to bet
Torino is currently placed 9th on the table with 45 points to show for their efforts. With 6 games remaining and a 10-point differential separating them from European contention, the Bulls have cut it fine if they are to make their mark for next season’s campaign. They will host Frosinone this weekend, having drawn 0-0 in their most recent Serie A encounter against Juventus this past weekend, extending their unbeaten run to three on home soil. As hosts, their results reflect a very respectable league record, having registered seven wins, seven draws, and two defeats thus far.
Torino have averaged 0.93 goals per game at home this season, with under 2.5 goals arriving in 75% of those encounters (12 out of 16)
League campaign strugglers, Frosinone, currently occupying 18th spot on the log, will visit Torino desperately hoping to avoid defeat. Having caught Napoli cold last weekend by obtaining a point in an exciting 2-2 draw away from home, the visitors have now managed to go undefeated in their last three league appearances, securing consecutive draws on all three occasions. It’s a decent effort given their current position, but ultimately, it’s maximum points they will be targeting if they are to exit the relegation zone. Their most recent away antics have essentially stopped the rot, registering back-to-back draws, resulting in an overall record of five draws and eleven losses on their travels to date.
Frosinone have averaged 0.93 goals per game away from home this season, with over 2.5 goals arriving in 56.2% of those encounters (9 out of 16).
Head to Head
The reverse fixture resulted in a 0-0 draw earlier in the season.
Verdict
Given both teams’ difficulties in scoring and Torino’s tendency to be involved in low-scoring matches at home, predicting an unders total could prove to be a profitable option for this encounter.
Suggested Bet: Totals, Under 2.5 goals at 9/10
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Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change