Serie A: AC Milan Plan to Fend Off Upset-Hungry Empoli

Empoli vs AC Milan

AC Milan’s Serie A title aspirations are in jeopardy and they must pick themselves up when they’ll head over to the Stadio Castellani this Wednesday.

I Rossoneri only have two wins in their last seven with both coming against relegation-threatened sides, although they’re still in the running since they remain at third with 39 points – level with Napoli.

Stefano Pioli’s men are tipped by the SBOTOP pre-match betting odds to win in this contest against Empoli. However, Empoli are not the ones to mess with since they’ve been punching above their weight.

They are placed ninth in the Italian top-flight standings with 27 points and they can make a late push for an European spot if the positive Serie A 2021 results keep on coming.

It’s been a while since these two sides last met and we expect nothing less since there are huge ramifications at stake in this midweek contest.

Talking Points

Empoli defying expectations

Empoli can already consider 2021 as a huge success given their solid start to their season. They’re unbeaten in six straight games and they have impressive wins under the belt, including shocking upsets over Napoli and Juventus.

After winning the Serie B title last season, expectations aren’t high for Empoli since they were tipped to hover near the dropzone which makes their current run quite impressive.

Aurelio Andreazzoli has made the most out of his side full of unproven youngsters, turning them into solid players to the point that several other teams in Europe have taken notice.

Their leading scorer is Andrea Pinamonti who has six goals. The 22-year-old striker is on loan from Inter Milan and he’s making a case for his mother club’s future plans. Pinamonti is going to be joined up front by Patrick Cutrone, who started his career playing for AC Milan with 13 goals in 63 total appearances.

Another young Empoli player to watch out for is Samuele Ricci, who is also being eyed by Inter Milan. At just 20 years of age, Ricci has emerged as one of the underrated midfielders in Serie A today.

AC Milan’s Scudetto challenge starting to falter

AC Milan’s lack of cutting edge is what’s holding them back to fully consider themselves as perennial title contenders.

They’re fresh from a stinging loss at the hands of Napoli and they’ve been hauled back into third place as a result because of I Partenopei’s superior goal difference.

Eljif Elmas’ header was the difference as Napoli managed to hold on after taking the early lead. AC Milan thought they had an equaliser late when Franck Kessie found the back of the net, but the goal wasn’t counted since VAR deemed Olivier Giroud offside.

As they’re searching for answers, it doesn’t get any easier for manager Stefano Pioli since he’s dealing with injuries to his key players, unlike Empoli.

Milan appear to be more vulnerable at the back since captain Simon Kjaer is out for this season due to a torn ACL, while forwards Ante Rebic, Pietro Pellegri, and Rafael Leao are all questionable to play.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is going to have to carry the load once more and he’ll be joined by Franck Kessie, Alexis Saelemakers, and Brahim Diaz, while Olivier Giroud can certainly make an impact off the bench.

History

AC Milan have been superior against Empoli in Serie A as they’ve lost only once in their last nine league meetings. The only defeat happened in April 2017 where Empoli won with a scoreline of 2-1.

Overall, AC Milan are unbeaten in 20 of their last 21 league games against newly-promoted sides (W15, D5), with their 0-2 loss against Spezia last February as the only exception.

Empoli have won their last two home league games and they can extend their streak to three fixtures, which will be the first time since December 2018 when Giuseppe Iachini was still in charge.

Betting Tip

	Empoli vs AC Milan	AC Milan Asian Handicap -0.50 @ 1.80
	December 23, 03:45 (GMT+8)

Despite their stuttering form, AC Milan are installed as the favourites to win in this contest by the Serie A 2021 odds. They’re priced at 1.80, while Empoli are pegged at 4.10 to win and chances for a draw are at 3.75 in the 1X2 market.

This is a must-win for AC Milan especially since title rivals Napoli, Inter, and Atalanta have winnable matches against Spezia, Torino, and Genoa respectively.

Empoli are capable of giving AC Milan a rough time. However, the visitors’ overall quality and depth are hard to ignore, which should be enough for them to close out 2021 on a high note.

 

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