Virtus Entella vs Empoli Prediction

Right then, let's fire up the braai and look at this Serie B clash between two teams who've been struggling more than I do on a Monday morning without my beer! Virtus Entella hosts Empoli in what looks like a proper bottom-half showdown.

Entella have been decent at home this season, mind you. They've picked up points in 60% of their home games and are scoring 1.60 goals per game in front of their own fans. They put three past Sampdoria recently and had a decent 2-2 draw with Bari. But they also got hammered 4-0 by Frosinone in their last outing, so consistency isn't exactly their strong suit!

Empoli, on the other hand, have been shocking away from home. Seriously, they've lost 80% of their last 5 away matches and are shipping goals like there's no tomorrow - 2.60 per game on the road! They got stuffed 4-0 at Pescara and 3-1 at both Reggiana and Genoa. Their only away win was a 2-1 against Sudtirol, but let's be honest, that's like bragging about winning a braai competition against your vegetarian cousin!

The head-to-head stats make for interesting reading too. Out of 7 meetings, 5 have gone over 2.5 goals. Both teams seem to have forgotten how to defend, with Empoli keeping exactly zero clean sheets away from home and Entella managing just one all season.

When you look at the numbers, Empoli have both teams scoring in 90% of their matches, while Entella are at 60%. With both defenses looking about as solid as a paper beer cup, I'm expecting goals, goals, goals!

Key Points:

• Virtus Entella score 1.60 goals per home game

• Empoli concede 2.60 goals per away game

• Empoli have 0% clean sheet rate away from home

• 5 of 7 head-to-head matches went over 2.5 goals

• Both teams score in 90% of Empoli's matches

This has all the makings of a proper goal fest. Both teams need the points but neither can defend properly. Entella have the home advantage and know how to score in front of their own fans, while Empoli just leak goals everywhere they go away from home. I'm backing the over here - should be more entertaining than watching someone try to explain the offside rule after a few too many!