Sabasports Match Preview
Italian Serie A: Empoli vs Lazio
Kickoff Time: 2023-12-23 01:30 (HKT)
Source: REUTERS/ALBERTO LINGRIA
Empoli have been enduring a relatively challenging
period in Serie A, often finding themselves in the middle to lower positions of
the table. Their overall strength is considered to be quite limited. In their
most recent league match, Empoli suffered a 0-1 defeat away to Turino. This
loss marked their fourth consecutive win-less game in the league, reflecting
their current sluggish form. As it stands, Empoli currently occupy the 17th
position in the Serie A standings with three wins, three draws, and 10 losses.
While they find themselves in the relegation zone, there is only a one-point
difference separating them from Udinese, who are just in the safety zone.
Consequently, Empoli have the potential to escape the relegation zone in the
near future. Tactically, Empoli generally favor a 4-3-3 formation, which
provides them with a significant offensive threat. However, when facing
stronger opponents, they often opt for a more defensive 4-3-1-2 formation to
counter the opposition’s strength.
Lazio’s performance in the league this season has
been marked by significant fluctuations, largely influenced by their
involvement in multiple competitions. In their most recent league match, Lazio
suffered a 0-2 defeat at home against Inter, extending their win-less streak to
three games across all competitions. As a result, Lazio’s hopes of contending
for the league title have diminished early on, with a considerable 20-point gap
separating them from Inter, who currently lead the table. One of the primary
reasons for Lazio’s decline this season has been the poor form of their
forwards. Both Mattia Zaccagni and Ciro Immobile have been hampered by
injuries, affecting their contributions to the team. The absence of key
attacking players has undoubtedly impacted Lazio’s offensive output and overall
performance. However, Lazio can find solace in their successful qualification
for the UEFA Champions League group stage. They now face a challenging task in
the knockout round against Bayern Munich, which presents an opportunity for
them to showcase their ability on the European stage.
Both sides are not in their ideal shape, given
Lazio’s higher overall strength and their historical advantage in head-to-head
match-ups against Empoli, there is reason to be optimistic about Lazio’s
chances of performing well in their upcoming game.
Empoli’s Last 5 Games: LDDLW
23-12-17 Torino 1-0 Empoli
23-12-12 Empoli 1-1 Lecce
23-12-02 Genoa 1-1 Empoli
23-11-26 Empoli 3-4 Sassuolo
23-11-12 Napoli 0-1 Empoli
Lazio’s Last 5 Games: LLDWW
23-12-18 Lazio 0-2 Inter
23-12-14 Atletico Madrid 2-0 Lazio
23-12-09 Verona 1-1 Lazio
23-12-06 Lazio 1-0 Genoa
23-12-03 Lazio 1-0 Cagliari
Head To Head Record:
23-06-04 Empoli 0-2 Lazio
23-01-08 Lazio 2-2 Empoli
22-01-06 Lazio 3-3 Empoli
21-08-22 Empoli 1-3 Lazio
19-02-08 Lazio 1-0 Empoli
Prediction:
Lazio to win