Empoli
- Empoli are 11th in Serie B, with 28 points from 23 games.
- Empoli’s Alessio Dionisi has been lauded for his patient, possession-heavy 4-3-3 system in which his men have been solid defensively, but often predictable in their play in the attacking third.
- Stiven Shpendi is their most reliable goal-getter with six strikes in 20 league appearances.
- The home team’s average of 1.42 goals per game scored and 1.00 conceded at home means there are rarely many goals when they are on home soil.
Juve Stabia
- Juve Stabia are 7th with 35 points.
- Ignazio Abate has brought a completely different philosophy to Juve Stabia since taking charge, pressing high up the field and playing an energetic, transition-based style of play which has had a real positive effect on the club.
- Juve Stabia are unbeaten in their last five Serie B matches, with two wins and three draws.
Head-to-Head
Their 2-0 home win over Empoli in Serie B eight weeks ago gives them bragging rights for this fixture.
Key Players
- Stiven Shpendi - six goals in 20 league appearances.
- Leonardo Candellone - seven goals in 19 Serie B appearances and has netted three in his last five games for Juve.
- Leonardo Candellone could be their best bet for a goal in this fixture.
Betting Insights
- The under 2.5 goals market is well backed at 1.57.
- Our main selection for this game is the draw at 2.98.
- Dionisi’s men are 2.5 favourites to win, with Juve Stabia available at 3.0.
- Empoli’s home record is three wins and seven draws in 12.
Prediction
- A draw would suit Juve better than Empoli, who will want to attack the game, but that could open them up to the visitors’ counter-attacks and chaos on second balls.
- An Empoli win could be the best play, as Juve are an improved away team.
