Roma vs Empoli Predictions

• Empoli are unbeaten in their last six Serie A games, winning three and drawing three.
• The visitors have avoided defeat at Udinese, Lazio and Inter on their last three away trips.
• Roma have suffered back-to-back defeats against Napoli and Cremonese in the last week.

Giallorossi need a response

Roma boss Jose Mourinho was pleased with his team’s display despite their 2-1 defeat at Napoli last week, but his emotions could hardly have been more different as they were dumped out of the Coppa Italia by Cremonese on Wednesday. The Special One made a quadruple substitution at the break after storming down the tunnel early at the halfway point of that 2-1 loss, and he will demand more against Empoli. Saturday’s visitors, however, are in good form and will not roll over.

Roma were unbeaten in seven games either side of the World Cup before suffering two defeats in the space of four days. The Giallorossi are very much in contention for a top-four spot, but their failure to make their excellent approach play count has been an issue this term. Only crisis club Sampdoria have underperformed their expected goals figures by a greater margin than Roma in Serie A this term, with star striker Tammy Abraham only netting five times all season.

The Giallorossi have suffered five defeats at home in all competitions this term, and with Empoli unbeaten in their last six league outings, punters should not write them off. Indeed, Paolo Zanetti’s men have avoided defeat at Udinese, Lazio and Inter – all top-seven teams – in their last three away matches. Furthermore, Empoli’s defensive record is only bettered by teams currently in the top eight plus Juventus this campaign, and they have managed three shutouts in their last six games.

Visitors could be worth a punt

With Roma not always turning their superiority into goals and Empoli putting together an excellent run of late, backing the visitors on the double chance market may a decent selection for Saturday’s game, particularly given the poor price available around the hosts.

Meanwhile, with seven of Empoli’s last nine games containing under 2.5 goals, a tense 1-1 draw could represent a solid correct score prediction.

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