Sassuolo vs Rapid Wien predictions, betting tips & match preview

Rapid Vienna head to Sassuolo aiming to cause a huge shock. These two sides were level in their last meeting, which finished 1-1 in Vienna. They’re also level in this group, locked on four points in the fight for qualification. They’re currently second and third respectively, but there’s still a long way to go. This is a crucial game for both as they look to secure a place in the last 32.

Rapid have taken all of their points so far at home which is something they need to change if they’re to make it through. They’ve just one home fixture remaining, so they need some results on the road. Sassuolo isn’t exactly the best place to go chasing that, as the hosts are pretty strong in their games here.

Sassuolo aren’t that strong defensively, having conceded in seven straight games. Their last clean sheet came back in September, which shows that this is a long running problem for them. Their last four Serie A games have seen both teams get on the score sheet. At least the Italians have been scoring goals as well as conceding them!

Sassuolo have let in far too many, conceding 1.73 per game so far. They were last season’s big surprise in Serie A, finishing sixth. A repeat this term is unlikely, simply because they’re conceding too many. Their fans are getting value for money at least, they’ve seen three goals a game on average.

On a brighter note for the Neroverdi, they’ve managed to score in 12 consecutive games. In fact, their only blank this season came due to a void result, which was awarded as a 3-0 victory to their opponents. They’re doing incredibly well up front, especially since they’re struggling with injuries. Key forward Domenico Berardi is out.

Since the Italian is injured, they’ve had Gregoire Defrel step in up top. He’s been an effective replacement, scoring five times in 10 Serie A games. The Frenchman found the net against Lazio at the weekend, and he scored in their only home Europa League game. He’s good value to score against Rapid, at 8/5 with bet365.

While Defrel is solving their scoring worries, Sassuolo need to worry about their defence. Rapid have scored 1.43 a game domestically, finding the net in 86% of their fixtures. They’ve also seen both teams score in 86% of their away games. We’re backing BTTS again here, seeing as the hosts can’t seem to stop conceding. It’s priced at 4/5 ahead of this clash.