Socrates 8445 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 134212 messaggi Inviato 7 ore fa Juventus vs Empoli: Preview and Prediction Juventus will look to bounce back from a rough patch of form that includes back-to-back defeats when they welcome Empoli this weekend. A disappointing 2-0 loss to SL Benfica in the UEFA Champions League saw Juve slide to 20th in the standings, forcing them into a challenging route in the knockout rounds. On the domestic front, their 2-1 defeat to Napoli last weekend further highlighted their struggles, leaving them winless in three matches. Despite their recent issues, Juventus remain unbeaten at home in Serie A this season, which serves as a significant morale booster. The Bianconeri have historically dominated Empoli in Turin, winning 80% of their encounters. Manager Thiago Motta, however, is under growing pressure to improve results, as Juventus’ current tally of just eight wins from 22 league games is their worst at this stage of a season since 1988. ............ Team News & Tactics Juventus Thiago Motta faces some defensive adjustments this weekend as first-choice centre-back Pierre Kalulu is sidelined with a muscular injury. To fill the gap, either new signing Renato Veiga or midfielder Manuel Locatelli may slot into the backline. Meanwhile, Andrea Cambiaso, who has been the subject of Premier League transfer rumours, is expected to return to the squad after missing the midweek defeat against Benfica due to an ankle issue. Randal Kolo Muani, who scored on his league debut against Napoli, will look to make history by becoming the first Juventus player since Carlos Tevez in 2013 to find the net in his first two Serie A games. The French forward is likely to lead the line, with Dusan Vlahovic potentially dropping to the bench. The attacking midfield trio of Kenan Yildiz, Teun Koopmeiners, and Facundo Gonzalez could provide support from behind. Juventus are likely to set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Mattia Perin will guard the goal, with a back four comprising Nicolo Savona at right-back, Federico Gatti and Renato Veiga as the central defenders, and Andrea Cambiaso slotting in at left-back. The midfield pivot is expected to feature Manuel Locatelli and Marcus Thuram, providing a balance of defensive solidity and forward thrust. In the attacking third, Kenan Yildiz will operate on the right wing, Nico Gonzalez on the left, and Teun Koopmeiners in the central playmaker role. Randal Kolo Muani is set to lead the attack as the lone striker. Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Perin; Savona, Gatti, Veiga, Cambiaso; Locatelli, Thuram; Yildiz, Koopmeiners, Gonzalez; Kolo Muani Empoli ............ Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): Vasquez; Goglichidze, Ismajli, De Sciglio; Gyasi, Henderson, Anjorin, Cacace; Fazzini, Esposito; Colombo Key Stats Juventus have won just one of their last four Serie A games against Empoli (D2, L1), despite having won 10 of their previous 11 meetings (L1). Interestingly, the last two matches between the sides ended in draws. Empoli have only avoided defeat in seven of their last 24 Serie A matches against Juventus (W3, D4). Notably, five of these positive results occurred in the second half of the season. Juventus have won 80% of their Serie A home matches against Empoli (W12 D2 L1). Among current Serie A opponents, only Hellas Verona (85%) have a worse record at Juventus in terms of the home win percentage. ............ Juventus are the only unbeaten team at home in Serie A this season and have the most draws on home soil (7). Following their 2-0 victory against AC Milan, Juventus could secure back-to-back home wins in a single league season for the first time since January 2024, when they achieved three consecutive victories. Player to Watch Randal Kolo Muani The French forward, who recently joined on loan from Paris Saint-Germain, made an immediate impact by scoring on his league debut against Napoli. This debut strike not only highlighted his ability to adapt quickly to new environments but also drew comparisons to Juventus icons such as Carlos Tevez, who similarly hit the ground running upon joining the Bianconeri. Kolo Muani’s pace, physical presence, and intelligent movement make him a nightmare for defenders. Operating as the focal point of Juventus’s attack, his ability to hold up the ball and link play with supporting midfielders and wingers adds a new dimension to the team’s forward line. Against Empoli, a team known for their defensive frailties, Kolo Muani’s sharpness in the final third and knack for exploiting space could prove decisive. In this match-up, he will be looking to become the first player since Tevez in 2013 to score in his first two league appearances for Juventus. Prediction Juventus 2-0 Empoli Given Juventus’s unbeaten home record this season and Empoli’s struggles both at home and against higher-ranked opponents, the Bianconeri are clear favourites. While Empoli have shown occasional resilience on the road, Juve’s superior quality and home advantage should help them secure a much-needed win. The Hard Tackle predicts a 2-0 win for Thiago Motta and his charges. . Read more -> https://thehardtackle.com/round-up/2025/02/01/juventus-vs-empoli-preview-and-prediction-2/ Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 8445 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 134212 messaggi Inviato 6 ore fa Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
