Exciting Sassuolo to steam ahead
Sassuolo have started their season strongly with perhaps the best squad they’ve ever had. On Friday night, Empoli will be visiting the Mapei Stadium where the home side Sassuolo are stand out favourites. Empoli have some problems they need to address especially in front of Sassuolo’s offensive line.
Sassuolo
Locatelli, Di Francesco, Prince-Boateng, Berardi, and Babacar are just some of the stand out names that spring to mind when you think of the green and black stripes of Sassuolo. This, when combined with a strong tactical understanding from coach De Serbi on the sidelines, makes them a dangerous prospect.
Sure they lost 2-1 away to Juventus last week, but they created problems for the Turin giants. At home, Sassuolo have opened their Serie A account this season with two wins against Inter 1-0 and 5-3 against Genoa. They drew against a strong Cagliari side in Sardinia who shouldn’t be underestimated.
The expected goal stats that Sassuolo have generated is nothing less than outstanding, especially considering they’ve already met Inter and Juve. So offensively both on paper and in actuality they’re extremely impressive. Berardi, Babacar and Boateng have already scored 2 goals at home in what’s looking like it’s going to be a season filled with goals.
Against Genoa there were some defensive problems exposed, but they looked liked they’d at least managed to patch it up, no less against heavyweights Juventus. All there key players will be available against Empoli.
- Position in table: 3rd
Empoli
You can’t exactly say the same when it comes to Empoli’s offensive line, having only managed 3 in 4 matches considering 2 of them came in the opening match against Cagliari. They lost against Lazio and Genoa, and drew against Chievo.
Caputo and Krunic look good up front for Empoli, but all in all I think they’re a clumsy side. In the past they’ve had problems against Sassuolo, losing the last 3 matches, letting in a total of 9 goals.
On top of that now Empoli are having trouble with injuries, losing Antonelli and Pasqual. There doesn’t look to be the same quality to replace them off the bench.
It’s also becoming abundantly clear that Empoli are going to have to scrape for their points at home this season and hope for taking a point away from home at best.
If they hope to lie low, sit back and absorb pressure from Sassuolo I don’t think it will be all too successful. Sassuolo definitely have the offensive keys to open up their defence.
- Position in table: 16th
Match Tips
This year’s Sassuolo side look to be extremely promising. They’re well balanced with match winning players up front. They’ve already demonstrated what they can do, not in the least at home where they’ve managed to beat Inter and walk all over Genoa. Empoli on the other hand are the worst team that Sassuolo have come up against so far this season and Sassuolo are stand out favourites for sure. Empoli will attempt to keep it tight at the back and spring on the counter, but at any rate it’s going to be tough.
