Cesena travel to Empoli this weekend, as a relegation battle will ensue for the Serie A strugglers at the Stadio Carlo Castellani.
Cesena currently sit second from bottom, four points from safety despite last weekend’s incredible home win against high-flying Lazio making it back to back 2-1 wins after winning at struggling Parma.
Empoli are fairing slightly better in Serie A this term as they sit five points ahead of their 19th placed rivals after a positive result 1-1 draw at Stadio Olimpico about the other side from the capital, Roma.
Empoli’s have managed to gather two of their three league wins this term at the Carlo Castellani as well as gaining five draws but their visitors this weekend have only picked up five points away from home.
On the face of it, Empoli are the favourites, with home form considered but after their shock win against Lazio last weekend, this game looks as though it could be a cracker of a relegation clash.
The home team’s problems are clearly highlighted by Lorenzo Tonelli being the club’s top goal scorer with four goals.
Massimo Maccarone has netted three times and assisted five with Manuel Pucciarelli netting the same amount as the veteran striker. All three of the club’s top goal scorers are expected to start.
Dominico Di Carlo’s charges will be buoyed by their result over the Romans last week and will be hoping for more of the same by goal scoring hero Gregoire Defrel.
The 23 year old has netted five times this season, one more than Franco Brienza and two more than Alejandro Rodriguez. Only Defrel and Brienza are expected to start this weekend with Rodriguez ready to make an impact from the bench.
Cesena are another team that have struggled for goals, hence their poor position in Serie A as behind those three there are seven players stuck on one goal scored each.
Ironically, for teams that haven’t scored too many goals, four were shared in the return fixture in a fantastic advert for what is to come.
Guido Marilungo had put Cesena ahead after half an hour with Defrel doubling the lead two minutes later but it was Empoli that lead a superb charge in the second half.
Ten minutes after the break, Francesco Tavano scored from the spot before a 72nd minute Daniele Rugani equaliser shared the spoils back in September.
More of the same of that match might not be best for both club’s health but it would be fantastic for the neutrals as both clubs begin to find some form.
Form Guide: Empoli (D-D-L-D-L-D) Cesena (D-L-L-L-W-W)
Expected Starting XIs
Empoli: Sepe, Hysaj, Rugani, Tonelli, Mario Rui, Vecino, Valdifiori, Signorelli, Verdi, Maccarone, Pucciarelli
Cesena: Leali, Perico, Capelli, Krajnc, Renzetti, Giorgi, De Feudis, Pulzetti, Brienza, Djuric, Defrel
