Empoli Vs Roma Prediction, Preview, Predicted Lineups and Team News | Serie A

Empoli Vs Roma Preview

Tournament: Serie A

Date: Sunday, 9 March

Kick-off time: 17:00 GMT

Venue: Stadio Carlo Castellani

Empoli are set to face Roma in round 28 action of the Serie A at the Stadio Carlo Castellani looking to return to winning ways with a win here.

Empoli are going through a poor run of form with the team failing to register a win in any of their last 12 matches. This run of poor form has seen them drop to the relegation zone having gathered only 22 points from 27 matches.

They are currently two points shy of safety but with the above team winning matches, Roberto D'Aversa's side will have to start winning matches to retain their position in the league for next season. Sebastiano Esposito is their top scorer this season with eight goals while injured Tino Anjorin who has been a big miss leads the assist chart with three.

As for Roma, they have been performing brilliantly ever since Claudio Ranieri took charge. They have won their last four matches in the league while also securing a huge 1st leg win over Athletic Club in the round of 16 of the UEFA Europa League. Safe to say, their recent run of good form has seen them close the gap at the top with the team lurking in the 8th position in the standings gathering 43 points from 27 matches.

In the last five league matches, Roma have scored nine goals while only conceding three goals, keeping three clean sheets in the process. It has been an all round performance from them with the team now playing with more authority. In the last match, they secured a vital 2-1 win over Athletic Club with Eldor Shomurodov scoring a clutch goal. Elsewhere, Artem Dovbyk is leading the goalscoring chart for them with 9 goals while Paulo Dybala provides the most assists (3).

Empoli Team News

Empoli are dealing with several injuries at the moment. The injury list includes Ardian Ismajli, Mattia Viti, Saba Sazonov, Nicolas Haas, Tino Anjorin, and Jacopo Fazzini. Roberto D'Aversa will likely make some changes here calling the likes of Christian Kouame and Mattia De Sciglio to the starting eleven after they produced a impressive performance of the bench against Genoa.

Roma Team News

The good news for Roma is they have no injury concerns in their squad. However, Claudio Ranieri will be without Gianluca Mancini for this clash as he is suspended for this match. They are likely to make some changes here recalling the likes of Artem Dovbyk, and Alexis Saelemaekers back to the starting eleven after giving them a much-needed break in midweek.

Empoli Vs Roma Predicted Lineups

Empoli predicted lineup(3-4-2-1):

Goalkeeper: Silvestri

Defenders: De Sciglio, Marianucci, Cacace

Midfielders: Gyasi, Grassi, Henderson, Pezzella

Attackers: Esposito, Maleh; Colombo

Roma predicted lineup (3-4-3):

Goalkeeper: Svilar

Defenders: Celik, Hummels, N' Dicka

Midfielders: Saelemaekers, Kone, Cristante, Angelino

Attackers: Dybala, Dovbyk, Pellegrini

Empoli Vs Roma H2H Record

The last five matches have been equally good for both sides with Roma registering three wins and Empoli winning the last two encounters. Their most recent match ended in a 1-2 away victory for the Empoli.

Key players to watch in Empoli Vs Roma

Mattia De Sciglio(Empoli)

Mattia De Sciglio is one of the experienced players on the team who has developed a reputation as one of the finest one-on-one defenders in Europe.

This season, he has made 14 appearances for the team scoring one goal which came against his parent club Juventus in round 23. So far, he has racked up 11 tackles, and seven interceptions, while also making 24 ball recoveries.

De Sciglio also doesn't shy away from throwing his body on the line having already made two crucial blocks. He is equally good going forward as he can put some dangerous crosses from the wings and also has the pace to help the team in nullifying counters.

Alexis Saelemaekers(Roma)

The Belgium international has found a new lease of life at Roma after making the move from AC Milan in the summer. He has registered six goals in 16 appearances this season while also laying on another two assists.

The last two matches have been pretty good for him after finding the back of the net in both matches with beautifully crafted goals. In his last five matches, he has registered only two goals and one assist despite creating a whopping 20 chances so far. However, it is his versatility that has stood out with the Belgium playmaker can play in the wingback position or either side of the wings according to the need of the team.

Empoli Vs Roma Prediction

The home team haven't been at their best form recently, failing to win any of their last five matches as compared to Roma who are one of the most in-form teams in the league. They have performed magnificently winning each of their last six matches. It's pretty clear why they are favorites here but they have to be wary of the threat of Empoli who have got the better of them in each of the last two occasions. We expect this match to be a tight one with Roma securing a narrow victory.

Predicted Score: Empoli 1-2 Roma

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