Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Serie A match.
Empoli enter this match with optimism after climbing to 11th place, safely six points clear of the relegation zone. They are focused on maintaining their position. In contrast, Lecce find themselves in a dire situation, rooted to the bottom of the table and desperately needing points to escape the relegation zone. This upcoming game might be the last chance for head coach Luca Gotti to prove he can turn the team's fortunes around.
Lecce
Lecce have been ineffective in attack, scoring only four goals all season — the worst record among clubs in Europe's top five leagues. Their recent encounter with Bologna highlighted their attacking struggles, with a mere 0.5 expected goals (xG). Over the last eight games, they have managed just one win (1:0 against Verona), aided by two red cards for the opponents. Defensively, Lecce have not been reliable either, conceding 20 goals in 11 matches (averaging 1.8 goals per game).
Empoli
Empoli continue to stick with a defensive strategy this season, with their backline being a key strength. They have conceded fewer goals than most other league clubs, trailing only Napoli and Juventus in this regard. However, their attacking record is quite poor, with an xG rarely exceeding one, and they have not scored more than one goal in their last six matches. The absence of midfielder Jacopo Fazzini, crucial for their attacking play, might further limit their offensive potential.
Lecce vs Empoli Prediction
This encounter between two defensive teams is unlikely to produce many goals and is expected to be a cautious affair. Considering both sides' current form and low-scoring nature, a bet on a draw appears justified. It's also worth noting that their last four meetings have not seen more than two goals scored. Therefore, another sensible bet is on a total under 2.5.
