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The Serie A returns with a fresh set of fixtures as Empoli host Lecce on Saturday. Marco Giampaolo’s visitors are winless in six visits to the Stadio Carlo Castellani.
Empoli failed to find their feet in Serie A, as they could only salvage a 1-1 draw against Venezia in the first outing of the new year on Saturday. Roberto D'Aversa’s side are winless in four matches, losing three, since a 4-1 victory over Hellas Verona.
Empoli have picked up 20 points in 19 matches to sit 13th in the standings, level on points with 12th-placed Genoa.
Like their hosts, Lecce were denied a dream start to the new year, as they were held to a goalless draw by Genoa at the Stadio Comunale Via del Mare on Sunday.
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Giampaolo’s men are winless in three games, suffering back-to-back defeats against Lazio and Como in December before a goalless draw with Genoa in their first outing of the year.
With 17 points from 19 matches, Lecce are 17th in the points table, level on points with 18th-placed Cagliari in the relegation zone.
Empoli vs Lecce Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- Empoli have four wins from their last 13 meetings with Lecce, losing three.
- Empoli are unbeaten in six home games against Giampaolo’s men, winning three, since March 2004.
- Lecce have lost all but one of their last seven away matches, with a 1-0 victory at Venezia in November being the exception.
- Empoli have won one of their nine Serie A home games this season, losing four.
Empoli vs Lecce Prediction
Looking at past meetings between Empoli and Lecce, expect another cagey affair at the Stadio Carlo Castellani. However, home advantage gives D'Aversa’s men a slight upper hand, so they should come away with a narrow victory.
Prediction: Empoli 1-0 Lecce
Empoli vs Lecce Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result - Empoli to win
Tip 2: Over 2.5 goals - No (There have been fewer than three goals scored in their last five clashes.)
Tip 3: Over 4.5 cards - No (There have been fewer than five bookings in five of Empoli's last six games.)
