Empoli vs AS Roma
A trip to Empoli may be what the doctor ordered for AS Roma after hitting a rough patch this past week.
After an undefeated run in August to start their 2022-23 campaign, I Giallorossi have suffered back-to-back defeats across all competitions – a 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Udinese in Serie A and a 2-1 defeat to Ludogorets in the Europa League.
AS Roma are still in good shape in the Scudetto race, though, since they’re at fifth with 10 points, which is only three behind league leaders Atalanta.
On the other hand, Empoli have yet to win a league match this season. But to their credit, they’ve only lost once and they’re at 15th with four points.
The pre-match SBOTOP betting odds may be favouring the visitors to win. However, Jose Mourinho knows that they cannot afford to be complacent even for one bit.
Talking Points
Who will lead the way for AS Roma?
AS Roma have strengthened their attacking corps during the summer transfer window, but their depth will be put to the test in these next few weeks, especially with games coming in thick and fast from Serie A and the Europa League.
The summer addition of Paulo Dybala and Andrea Belotti surely helps, and the team will need these two to create Serie A 2022 highlights every single game. Dybala now has two goals in AS Roma uniform while Belotti has yet to open his account.
Jose Mourinho would also prefer to have Nicolo Zaniolo and Tammy Abraham back at 100-per cent in order to stay afloat. Abraham is expected to be sidelined for a while due to a shoulder contusion he had last week, while Zaniolo is hoping for a speedy recovery after suffering the same injury as Abraham’s.
Their midfield is another area of strength as they have the likes of Bryan Cristante, Nemanja Matic, and Lorenzo Pellegrini. The same can’t be said about their backline, though, since they’ve already surrendered five goals from their league opponents.
After winning the Europa Conference League last season, the honeymoon period is over for Jose Mourinho and AS Roma, and the real tests are only just beginning.
Empoli spearheaded by their youngsters
Paolo Zanetti’s men are not expected to do much this season. But all they have to do is to stay out of the relegation mire – which is achievable – and to build their young core.
Empoli may have struggled in the final third lately, but they have a promising young trio in Sam Lammers, Tommaso Baldanzi, and Martin Satriano as all of them have scored already this term.
Lammers and Satriano were both loaned out by their respective teams in Atalanta and Inter Milan this summer, so both have something to prove.
Satriano, in particular, is one of the most underrated youngsters in Italy today. This summer, the 21-year-old forward was linked with a move to Premier League side Southampton and they are reportedly keeping tabs on his progress.
History
Prior to Monday’s game, AS Roma are undefeated in their last 12 Serie A encounters against Empoli (W9, D3). I Giallorossi are enjoying a five-game winning streak over Empoli, which is their second longest winning run in Italian top-flight behind against Crotone (W6).
AS Roma have also kept a clean sheet in four of their last six Serie A matches against Empoli.
At home, Empoli have only won twice in their last 12 Serie A home matches against AS Roma (D3, L7). The last time this happened was back in February 2007 where Nicola Pozzi’s strike was enough to give them the 1-0 victory.
Empoli have drawn four consecutive Serie A games for the first time since January 2015. During that time, they went on to draw five straight, which is their longest run in their Serie A history.
Betting Tip
AS Roma are unsurprisingly the favoured side by this weekend’s Serie A 2022 odds. Jose Mourinho’s men are installed at a good value at 1.75, while Empoli are priced at 4.40 and chances for a draw are at 3.65 in the 1X2 market.
With the hosts struggling to find goals, it’s hard to envision them beating their visitors given their stronger ammunition. Basically, this game is for AS Roma’s to lose.
Basing on their goal count in their recent encounters, another viable bet could be going for Total Goal 2-3 1.96, but that will purely depend on how many times AS Roma will find the back of the net.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT))
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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