I get the feeling that this Sunday will decide a lot of the relegation battle, and this game is one of them that will go a long way to deciding what happens. Udinese are the home side, currently outside of the relegation zone with 33 points, and they welcome Empoli, inside the relegation zone with 32 points.
Udinese Form GuideJust when the time has come to need points, I think Udinese have stepped up their play and put in some good performances. Still just one point above the relegation zone, but they've taken five points from their last three games, they would have been in deep trouble without those. It's still all to play for, with probably five sides involved in a scrap, and one relegation position in play.
They arrive here on the back of a huge Monday. They won 2-0 away from home against Lecce, three massive points when they needed them. Before that, back to back draws, keeping them ahead in the race for the bottom three. Both were good too, 1-1 against Napoli and Bologna, two teams in the top half.
Empoli Form GuideAs we head into the weekend, Empoli are in the bottom three, but that's only down to goal difference. Above them, Frosinone on the same points, Udinese and Cagliari one point ahead and Verona two points ahead. So it's certainly feasible they get out, and actually, regardless of other results, if they win this, they're out.
That'll not be easy though, Udinese are also desperate and Empoli come here on the back of three without a win. They've lost 2-0 to both Atalanta and Lazio, two quality teams, while they drew at home with Frosinone 0-0, and that was their big chance to make a move, which they failed to take.
Match PredictionThis game is huge, and nerves are going to be around. With good recent form, and a real hunger about their play, I think Udinese can win this one, backed by their home fans and take a massive step towards survival with three big points.
