Bologna FC are looking to maintain their spots in the Champions League by earning a win against Empoli FC, who are desperate for wins. These two teams are actually confident coming into this game, but they are far from each other in the league table. Bologna is currently at the fourth of the league table with 51 points from their 28 matches. However, despite being at the fourth, Bologna still needs to win this match, in order to held on their spots in the Champions League. Meanwhile, for Empoli, this is an important match for them as they are at the 17th of the league table. Empoli are at the 17th of the league table, and are hoping to halt their drop at the drop zone. The meeting between these two teams is on March 16, 2024, at 3:45 AM (GMT+8).
Bologna FC
Bologna, despite a strong performance against Nerazzurri, lost 1-0 to Inter last Saturday. However, Bologna outshot Inter 19 to five and denied the league leaders any shot in the second half. This ended the Rossoblu’s six-match winning streak in Serie A. Bologna has also secured several wins in their pursuit for the top four, including against Fiorentina, Atalanta BC, and Lazio. This could indicate a turning point in their form, as they had only one win from their opening 11 away league games this season. Despite the defeat, Bologna remains in the top four, with fifth-placed Roma three points behind. Italy’s chances of securing five spots in the Champions League next season will strengthen their chances. Their match against Empoli is crucial. However, Bologna has a poor record in this area, failing to win on all of their 12 league visits to the Carlo Castellani.
The visitors face significant injury concerns, including Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee, who has scored double figures in Serie A, and Jesper Karlsson, who is set to miss the match due to an ankle injury and a knee injury.
Empoli FC
Empoli are in a relegation battle, with Salernitana likely to fall and the seven teams above them by just four points. The Azzurri, who experienced an upturn in form under Davide Nicola, have suffered back-to-back 1-0 defeats. This includes a defeat at home to Cagliari and a loss at San Siro to AC Milan. The relegation picture will not be determined in away games to AC Milan. However, Empoli may need to pick up a surprise result. The team has a difficult run of games to finish the season, with fixtures against Lecce, Frosinone, and Udinese being must-wins. If they fail to win, relegation is on the cards for the Tuscans. The relegation picture will not be decided in away games to AC Milan.
Empoli will be without Jacopo Fazzini and Alberto Grassi due to recent bookings. Szymon Zurkowski returns to midfield, but Empoli has blanked in 15 of 28 games this season. Mbaye Niang will try to rectify their scoring woes, having scored in his first three appearances since joining from Adana Demirspor.
Prediction:
Bologna FC (2.5)
Odds: -0.87
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