Empoli vs Inter Prediction and Preview – 06/01/16

Serie A preview – Empoli vs Inter prediction 

Empoli can field the usual starting lineup when Serie A resumes on Wednesday. Attacking midfielder Rude Krunic is recovering from a shoulder injury which has forced him out of the last three games. Centre forward Levan Mchedlidze’s absence is extended following a delayed return from a hamstring injury. The Georgian international has been out since September and is still suffering muscular problems. Veteran striker Massimo Maccarone has scored four goals in two games before the break and will partner Manuel Pucciarelli up front.

Defensive midfielder Felipe Melo is suspended after seeing red in the 2-1 defeat at home to Lazio and Marcelo Brozovic is ready to step in. Inter coach Roberto Mancini tried Jonathan Biabiany down the middle in the friendly against Paris St Germain last Wednesday but Mauro Icardi will claim back the position. The 22-year-old Argentine has continued the sensational form of last season with a 50% strike rate in 14 league games this term. 

Possible Line-ups

Empoli: 4-3-1-2 formation: Skorupski; Laurini, Tonelli, Costa, Rui; Zielinski, Paredas, Buchel; Samponara; Maccarone, Pucciarelli

Inter: 4-2-3-1 formation: Handanovic; D’Ambrosio, Murillo, Miranda, Nagatamo; Brozovic, Medel; Biabiany, Jovatic, Perisic; Icardi

Statistics

• Empoli have won 6 drawn 2 and lost 2 of their last 10 matches
• Inter have won 7 drawn 0 and lost 3 of their last 10 matches
• Over the course of their previous 10 matches, Empoli have scored an average of 1.6 goals and conceded an average of 1.1 goals per game
• Over the course of their previous 10 matches, Inter have scored an average of 1.7 goals and conceded an average of o.5 goals per game
• There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 5 of Empoli’s previous 10 matches
• There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 5 of Inter’s previous 10 matches

Prediction

Empoli have won the last four Serie A games and have lost just one of the last nine. Marco Giampaolo’s side have become difficult to break down at home, keeping clean sheets in four of the last five home games. They’ve played two of the top four teams in the table at home, earning a 2-2 draw from the visit if Napoli and losing 3-1 to Juventus.

Inter suffered a surprise loss at home Lazio before the break. The 2-1 defeat exposed disciplinary problems within the camp but Roberto Mancini has had two weeks to sort out the issues and prepare for what is shaping up as a four-way title fight. Inter have a good record in the the Carlo Castellani stadium where they have kept clean sheets in winning on the last four visits.

Inter will be desperate to avoid back-to-back defeats and should prove too strong for the home team.

Tips 

Inter to win at 5/4 with William Hill

Under 2.5 goals at 14/19 with Marathonbet

Inter to win 1-0 at 7/1 with 888sport

What are your predictions?

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