Kick-off: Saturday, 12 March @17:00 GMT
Venue: Stadio Carlo Castellani (Empoli)
Live Stream: fuboTV (US), bet365 (non-US)
Head to head record
Sampdoria vs Empoli 1-1 (2015/2016 Serie A)
Empoli vs Sampdoria 1-1 (2014/2015 Serie A)
Sampdoria vs Empoli 1-0 (2014/2015 Serie A)
Sampdoria vs Empoli 1-0 (2011/2012 Serie B)
Empoli vs Sampdoria 1-3 (2011/2012 Serie B)
Empoli vs Sampdoria prediction
Empoli will be aiming to put an end to their four-game losing run in the Serie A when they take on Sampdoria at their Stadio Carlo Castellani on Saturday evening. La Samp head into the game following back-to-back wins over Frosinone and Hellas Verona and they are certainly brimming with confidence at the moment.
Four consecutive defeats
Empoli were producing fine performances in the first half of the season, but they have not been as impressive in 2016. The Azzurri have been struggling to find their best form and they are on a four-game losing run ahead of the visit of Sampdoria. Marco Giampaolo’s troops do not seem to be at the top of their game at the moment, but they are certainly capable of grabbing something from Saturday’s Serie A clash. Empoli recorded their last win at home ground back on 12 December, 2015, but you should bear in mind that the Azzurri are eyeing their fifth home triumph of the season. Anyhow, the lack of confidence could prove to be the team’s biggest problem in Saturday’s Serie A clash. Experienced attacker Massimo Maccarone is widely expected to lead the attack for the hosts.
Lorenzo Tonelli is sidelined through suspension, while Uros Cosic is a major doubt and he will be assessed on the match day. Coach Marco Giampaolo has no other injury concerns ahead of the game.
Signs of improvement
It is well known that Sampdoria chiefs were forced to sell a number of high-profile players in the last few transfer windows and, as a result, nobody expected that La Samp would be producing outstanding performances in the 2015/2016 Serie A campaign. The team’s main goal is to secure yet another top flight survival and they are on the right track to meet the goal. Vincenzo Montella’s men sit in 13th position in the standings ahead of Matchday 29, but taking into account that they are just five points clear of the relegation zone, Saturday’s match against Empoli could be crucial for the visitors in their battle for survival. Sampdoria head into the game full of confidence as they outplayed the likes of Frosinone and Hellas Verona in previous two league matches and their fresh confidence will be tested against Empoli. Antonio Cassano put an end to his goalless run at the weekend and he could prove a handful for the opposition defenders.
Carlos Carbonero is sidelined with injury, but he is the only absentee in the away side. Coach Vincenzo Montella, though, can count on the likes of Sala and Ivan, who return to contention.
Quick Facts
- Empoli are on a four-game losing run in the Serie A
- Nerazzurri conceded nine goals in last four league matches
- Sampdoria managed to keep a clean sheet in previous two league games
- La Samp are undefeated in last five meetings with Empoli
- The two sides played out a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture
Empoli vs Sampdoria betting tip
Saturday’s match at Stadio Carlo Castellani pits together the two teams with same ambitions in the 2015/2016 Serie A campaign. Both sides aim to secure the elite division survival and seeing that both teams will be happy with one point from Saturday’s game, I would not be surprised if we see a low-scoring affair in Empoli. In previous four meetings between the two teams in all competitions six goals in total were scored.
Tip: Under 2.5 goals
Odds: 1.80 (4/5) @bet365
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