Empoli and Genoa, two teams sitting close in the Serie A standings, face off on Sunday, December 29, 2024, in what promises to be a tightly contested encounter. Both sides have struggled for consistency this season and will be eager to secure all three points. With only three points separating them, this match could be crucial for their respective campaigns. The Africa Football’s editor Bill Eshun dives into the game’s analysis.
- Empoli aim to get back to winning ways after two consecutive losses.
- Genoa are winless in their last three games (2D, 1L).
Empoli: Inconsistent Form
Empoli have experienced a turbulent season, finding it difficult to maintain any meaningful momentum. Despite an impressive victory over AS Roma in August, their form has fluctuated, with only two instances of back-to-back wins across all competitions.
Their best spells came in September, when they beat Cagliari and Torino, and in early December with victories over Verona and Fiorentina. However, consecutive losses to Atalanta and Torino have left them in 11th place, far from European qualification spots.
Genoa: Similar Struggles
Genoa have faced their own challenges this season, struggling to convert performances into consistent victories. Their most recent outing ended in a narrow 2-1 loss to Napoli, further highlighting their inability to gain momentum.
Caleb Ekuban Aims to Break Goal Drought
Ghanaian forward Caleb Ekuban has had a slow start to the season, largely due to injuries that have limited his playing time. With only five minutes of league action before his recent return, the 30-year-old is yet to find the net this season.
Ekuban made his comeback against Napoli, featuring for 21 minutes, and is now expected to play a more significant role in this weekend’s fixture as Genoa look to reignite their attacking threat.
Team News
- Empoli: Five players are confirmed to be sidelined due to injuries, with four others listed as doubtful.
- Genoa: The visitors will be without three players due to injuries.
The Odds
Empoli are slight favorites with odds of 2.638 on 1xBet. Genoa’s odds stand at 3.35, while a draw is priced at 2.959.
Prediction
The last three meetings between Empoli and Genoa have ended in draws, and with the teams separated by just three points in the standings, another stalemate seems likely. Both sides are struggling for form, making it hard to see either team dominating this encounter.
Predicted Scoreline: Empoli 1-1 Genoa
