We have a three-day weekend of action in Serie A, which begins on Friday night. One game takes place, and it sees Empoli down near the bottom host Bologna, who are in the mix for a top four place. Both sides need the three points for their own personal fights, but who takes them home here?
Empoli Form GuideOne-time a side in the relegation zone, Empoli went on a nice run recently that took them away from danger. But two losses in their last two games and they are now on the edge of the relegation zone once more, although the good news is that they are ahead as we go into the weekend.
With 25 points, they're one point and one place above the relegation zone. Last weekend, Empoli lost 1-0 away from home against AC Milan, and before that, they lost 1-0 at home to fellow relegation fighters Cagliari. Before that, Empoli went six games unbeaten, three wins and three draws, great form and something they would love to rediscover.
Bologna Form GuideBologna have been on a real run of form, however, they did lose their last game, so this is all about bouncing back and getting back on track for them. They're still in 4th, which is the big positive, but Roma in 5th begin the weekend just three points behind, and Atalanta in 6th are a further one behind.
There's nothing wrong with the defeat that Bologna suffered, it came against league leaders Inter Milan. But it's now a mental test, after winning six in a row and feeling great about themselves, they need to show they can get back on track.
Match PredictionThis is a big game at both ends, and I am backing Bologna to get back on track. Yes, they lost last weekend, but still played well against the best team in Italy, I'll take them to play the same again, and that will be enough to win this.
