Serie A has it's final games before Christmas across Friday and Saturday, with four taking place on Friday night. They include this clash, which sees Lazio, who have been disappointing so far this season, travel away from home to take on Empoli, both sides need the three points, but for very different reasons.
Empoli Form GuideWe come into the games at the weekend with Empoli down in 18th position, that puts them in the relegation places, though there are teams above them within striking distance. It's been a tough year so far, three wins from 16 games and 12 points on the board, it's fair to say there is plenty of room for improvement in the new year.
They have failed to win any of their last four games, with two losses and two draws in that period, with the most recent game being a loss. That came away at Torino, a game they lost 1-0 while the two draws came before that, they were both 1-1 and came at home to Lecce and away at Genoa.
Lazio Form GuideWe haven't seen anywhere near the best of Lazio yet this season, I think they are some way off what they're capable of. Down in 11th, this is a team that could have pushed for the top four, but were definitely in the race for the top six and European football this season. They're six points off sixth right now, and need to turn things around quick.
In the league, they've won just one of their last six games, that came at home against Cagliari, another side struggling near the bottom. Last weekend they lost 2-0 at home to Inter Milan, before that, they managed a draw against Verona.
Match PredictionDo I trust Lazio? Certainly not, but at the odds they are here, I have to back them to win this game. Over evens (2.00), is too good to ignore, when you see who they're playing against, so I am with Lazio to have a good day and get a much needed three points.
