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06.01.22 - 14:30 CET
Although they are neighbours in the table, I would venture to say, along with the bookies, that Lazio are favourites in this match. And that's even though Empoli have already managed to take points from anyone, such as third-placed Napoli.
I also trusted Lazio in the last game when they played Genoa. Back then, Lazio was in an awkward situation where out of 5 games they lost 3 times and drew once and only won once. Back then I argued that those results were quite influenced by tough draw (2 of those 3 losses to Juve and Napoli, then the third away loss to Sassuolo 1-2). That was confirmed when they took that Genoa game 3-1, before that they were also 3-1 at Sampdoria and in the last league round Lazio deservedly won at Venice, and not to be confused 3-1 too. I'm not saying it will also end 3-1 now, but Lazio have really confirmed their quality and out of the last 5 games they've won 3 times and lost only once (at Sassuolo).
Of course, it might be harder with Empoli, but Lazio simply can't afford to lose. Lazio is in 8th place, behind the 5th. Juventus just 3 points. To 4th Atalanta, the gap is already higher, 7 points to be precise, but the competition is only halfway through, so nothing unbeatable.
Lazio should win this game, even in light of the fact that a very tough game awaits them at Inter, who are leading the league, and where even a point would be golden for Lazio. So it's clear that they simply have to get through that game against Empoli if they want to keep up with the cup ranks.
But it definitely won't be easy with Empoli. It's really quite a terror this year. They have lost only one of their last 5 games, in the last round at home to AC Milan (2:4). Before that, a draw in Spezia, a win in Napoli (1-0), a win at home to Udinese (3-1) and a 2-2 draw in Turin (FC).
Lazio, on the other hand, is playing well especially at home. The 6-2-1 record (losing only to Juve) speaks for itself. If we take away the loss to Juve and the wild 4-4 draw with Udinese, where the visitors equalized only in the 9th minute of the injury time, Lazio won everything at home: 3-1, 3-0, 1-0, 3-1, 3-2.
The good news for us and Lazio is that their best striker Ciro Immobile (13 league goals this season) has tested negative for Covid and is back on the pitch.
I also see the fact that Lazio have been doing well for a long time against Empoli as another argument for our bet. They have played 6 games together in the league since 2016 and Lazio have won all 6! The last time they won at the start of this season was last August at Empoli 3-1.
Prediction:
Lazio @ 1.60 (bet365)
Although they are neighbours in the table, I would venture to say, along with the bookies, that Lazio are favourites in this match. And that's even though Empoli have already managed to take points from anyone, such as third-placed Napoli.
I also trusted Lazio in the last game when they played Genoa. Back then, Lazio was in an awkward situation where out of 5 games they lost 3 times and drew once and only won once. Back then I argued that those results were quite influenced by tough draw (2 of those 3 losses to Juve and Napoli, then the third away loss to Sassuolo 1-2). That was confirmed when they took that Genoa game 3-1, before that they were also 3-1 at Sampdoria and in the last league round Lazio deservedly won at Venice, and not to be confused 3-1 too. I'm not saying it will also end 3-1 now, but Lazio have really confirmed their quality and out of the last 5 games they've won 3 times and lost only once (at Sassuolo).
Of course, it might be harder with Empoli, but Lazio simply can't afford to lose. Lazio is in 8th place, behind the 5th. Juventus just 3 points. To 4th Atalanta, the gap is already higher, 7 points to be precise, but the competition is only halfway through, so nothing unbeatable.
Lazio should win this game, even in light of the fact that a very tough game awaits them at Inter, who are leading the league, and where even a point would be golden for Lazio. So it's clear that they simply have to get through that game against Empoli if they want to keep up with the cup ranks.
But it definitely won't be easy with Empoli. It's really quite a terror this year. They have lost only one of their last 5 games, in the last round at home to AC Milan (2:4). Before that, a draw in Spezia, a win in Napoli (1-0), a win at home to Udinese (3-1) and a 2-2 draw in Turin (FC).
Lazio, on the other hand, is playing well especially at home. The 6-2-1 record (losing only to Juve) speaks for itself. If we take away the loss to Juve and the wild 4-4 draw with Udinese, where the visitors equalized only in the 9th minute of the injury time, Lazio won everything at home: 3-1, 3-0, 1-0, 3-1, 3-2.
The good news for us and Lazio is that their best striker Ciro Immobile (13 league goals this season) has tested negative for Covid and is back on the pitch.
I also see the fact that Lazio have been doing well for a long time against Empoli as another argument for our bet. They have played 6 games together in the league since 2016 and Lazio have won all 6! The last time they won at the start of this season was last August at Empoli 3-1.
Prediction:
Lazio @ 1.60 (bet365)
