AC Milan are aiming to breathe new life into their title defence as they travel to Empoli for a Serie A fixture on Sunday. The champions are expected to be too strong for their hosts who have only claimed one win this season.
It has been a difficult start to the campaign for Empoli, who have claimed just one win from seven matches so far. They are currently in the bottom half of the table and although it is still early to worry about relegation, an upturn in form is needed.
Empoli got something to build on prior to the international break as they claimed their first Serie A win of the season. Paolo Zanetti’s men claimed a 1-0 victory at Bologna with Filippo Bandinelli’s effort midway through the second half proving the difference.
One of the problems for Empoli this season is that they have had little joy at home. They are winless in four matches across all competitions at the Stadio Carlo Castellani and were beaten 2-1 by Roma in their previous fixture in front of their fans.
It has been a far from convincing title defence for AC Milan, who are currently sitting outside the top four. The good news is that they have suffered just one defeat this season and are only three points off leaders Napoli.
The Rossoneri will be looking to bounce back from a defeat in their last Serie A fixture as they were beaten 2-1 at home by Napoli prior to the international break. They failed to build on Olivier Giroud's second half equaliser and were let down by some poor defending.
AC Milan’s record on their travels has been solid as they are unbeaten away from home this season. Stefano Pioli’s men claimed a 2-1 victory at Sampdoria in their previous Serie A fixture on the road.
How the bookies view it
The bookies have installed AC Milan as overwhelming favourites with a win priced at 4/6 by SBK. A victory for Empoli is valued at 19/4 by BetVictor while a draw is set at odds of 31/10 by SBK.
Recent head to head
AC Milan have won the last three meetings with Empoli and did the double over their hosts last season. The Rossoneri claimed a 4-2 victory on their last visit to Empoli.
Players to watch
With AC Milan not particularly convincing at the back this season, Empoli will fancy their chances of troubling the defence. Sam Lammers often features in attack and could be backed to score at 9/2 with bet365.
Rafael Leao was missed by AC Milan in the defeat to Napoli as he served suspension. The Portugal forward is set to return on Saturday and could be backed to add to his three goals this season at 15/8 with Paddy Power.
Anything else catch the eye?
Empoli and AC Milan have struggled to keep things tight at the back and both teams could be tipped to score at 10/11 with bet365. There were over 3.5 goals in the last meeting at Stadio Carlo Castellani and a repeat is priced at 23/10 by Unibet, who are also offering 17/20 for over 2.5 goals.
Given the minimal odds for a straight AC Milan victory, a win and over 2.5 goals can be considered at 27/20 with Sport Nation.
This Serie A match between Empoli and AC Milan will be played on Oct 1, 2022 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Empoli vs AC Milan prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
It was greatfull!