Italian Serie A
2008-05-18 - Empoli vs Livorno
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Analysis:This is a do or die match for Empoli when they welcome the visit of Livorno to the Stadio Castellani today. Empoli knows that even a win might not be enough for them as they need Inter Milan to beat Parma for them to stage a last day fightback and at the same time for A.S Roma to do their part and beat Catania in order to pull of this dramatic escape!
Luigi Cagni who took over in March has guided his side to an away win but must now focus his attention on getting the home win against the basement boys Livorno who are already relegated to Serie B next season.
The task facing Empoli is huge as they have not won at home for the past six matches but will be relieved that their opponents is Livorno who have lost 11 times on their travels and conceded 30 goals this season. They will be looking to increase that to 12 away defeats for the visitors today that is for sure.
It is rather bizarre that Empoli who has not scored in their last two games and scored only 27 goals this season and yet the handicap is 1 ½ ball to be given to the visitors here!
Empoli are no doubt missing head hitman Nicola Pozzi who has been out with a major injury since February. But a win here coupled with Inter as well as Roma's win would find them level on points with Catania and that would be enough to see them stay in Serie A as they hold the advantage with Catania based on their previous two meetings this season.
Empoli has won eight matches this season, but one of those eight games were against Catania when they won 2-0 back in February. That win avenged the 1-0 defeat they suffered at Catania and that has given them a positive goal difference heading into today's match.
For Livorno, the season has already over and they have nothing to play for anymore apart from pride. They lost their last three games in a row coming into today's match and nothing to suggest here that they could even get a win or a draw here. To make things worse they are also winless in their last 11 games! President Aldo Spinelli has stepped down and now they are preparing for life in Serie B.
Last Sunday they were beaten by Torino 1-0 to confirm their relegation to Serie B. They have also received news that Francesco Tavano and Alessandro Diamanti will not be at the club next season so this news could be an even bigger blow to their players even before the match starts.
Take Empoli to win here and give the 1 1/2 ball handicap here.
Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Empoli to win 2-0
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take Empoli to win this match.
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Take Empoli and give the 1 1/2 ball here.
