Sassuolo vs Crotone predictions, betting tips & match preview

Sassuolo were Italy’s surprise package last term, qualifying for the Europa League. They’ve found things a little tougher this time around. They’re 13th as things stand, while they’ve won one and lost one in Europe and they’ll be looking at this weekend’s match with Crotone as a chance to get a few extra points on the board.

Sassuolo have lost three matches in a row away from home, so they’ll be glad of a return to their own ground. They’ve taken 67% of their points this season in front of their own fans. The Neroverdi have put together an impressive run at Stadio Città del Tricolore, having won three games in a row in all competitions. They’ve won all of those matches to nil, and scored six goals in the process.

In fact, they’ve only lost at home this season because of off the field issues. Their opening home match of the season was a 2-1 win over Pescara, which was reversed to a 3-0 defeat after a registration mix up around one of their subs. If you take that as a home win, then the Neroverdi have won five in a row at home. That reversal also drags down their goal average this season from 1.67 to 1. Sassuolo are actually in better form than their results suggest.

Crotone’s record is much less impressive. They’ve failed to win any of their seven games so far, conceding at least once in every game this season. They’ve lost four from four away, scoring just 0.5 a game on average. They’re rock bottom of the table, having conceded 2.25 goals per match so far. They’ve lost every trip they’ve made to Sassuolo, conceding twice in every visit.

Crotone’s main defensive problem so far this season has been defending from attacks out wide. They’re most vulnerable from the wings, which means this will be a very tough afternoon for them. So far this term 73% of Sassuolo’s attacks have been from out wide. They’re a side who thrive on wing play.

The hosts should have no problem firing their way to another home victory. Expect them to do it early as well, since Crotone have been losing at half-time and full-time in their last three. The visitors concede the first goal in 71% of their games, while they’ve been behind at the break in 75% of their trips to Stadio Città del Tricolore. That’s why Sassuolo to be ahead at the end of both halves is our tip here, at 11/10 with bet365.