Empoli vs AC Milan: Preview and Prediction

Empoli vs AC Milan
2016/17 Italian Serie A.
Date: Saturday, 26 November 2016
Kick-Off: 19:45 UK,
Venue: Stadio Carlo Castellani (Empoli).

A floundering Empoli will likely face a tough task as they welcome an in-form AC Milan side to the Stadio Carlo Castellani on Saturday evening.

Any hope the Azzurri had after beating Pescara 4-0 was quickly dashed as they were on the wrong end of the same score-line against Fiorentina. The Viola crushed their fellow Tuscan opponents in a game that was really a one-sided affair from start to finish.

Still, they are above the relegation zone – but only just. And with six goals to date, Empoli still have the weakest attack out of the 20 sides in Serie A this term. That even includes relegation candidates Palermo, Pescara, and Crotone.

If Empoli are struggling to find the goals, the same cannot be said for Milan. Under Vincenzo Montella, the Rossoneri have been truly transformed this term. Although they will be kicking themselves for conceding a late goal in last weekend’s Derby della Madonnina, fans still must be happy with the team’s progress. They come into this game having shared the spoils in an interesting 2-2 draw with Inter and have lost just one out of their past 10 league games.

To complicate matters, Empoli have a long and frustrating record against Milan, who they have yet to beat at their own stadium. However, they did manage to hold the Rossoneri to a two-all stalemate in this same fixture last season – albeit that was a very different Milan than the one they will face on Saturday.

Meanwhile, should Milan win here, they would temporarily overtake Roma and move into second, four points behind league leaders Juventus. Can they take advantage of Empoli’s struggles to move into what would be their highest standing in the table so far this term?

Empoli vs AC Milan: Head-to-head statistics

• Empoli have a record of W4-D6-L10 in their last 20 home games against teams ranked above them in the table.
• Milan’s record in their past 20 road game versus sides below them in the table is W9-D4-L7.
• The Azzurri have a very frustrating record against Milan. To date, they have won just twice, whilst losing ten and drawing six times.
• Both wins were 1-0 results, and both were at the Stadio San Siro (the most recent was in October 2007).

Empoli vs AC Milan: Prediction

It goes without saying that Empoli will face an uphill battle not just to beat their upcoming opponents but likely to stay afloat this season. They just can’t seem to catch a break. As for Milan, conceding late will have left a sour taste in their mouths – especially considering it was against bitter rivals Inter. They will be expected to pick themselves up to come out on top here.

However, considering that three out of the last five meetings between the two sides have ended up as draws, Empoli just may be able to throw a monkey wrench in Milan’s plans – but provided they can find the back of the net.