With Europe s elite once again taking center stage this weekend, we look set for another stacked schedule from across the continent. On that note, for those of you looking to stick on a Saturday acca, we have found a handful of helpful tips that are worth keeping an eye out for.
Saturday February 11th
BST 14:00 Empoli vs Spezia
Although Empoli might have been disappointed by their 2-0 loss away at Roma last weekend, the Blues have still impressed many across Italy on either side of the World Cup break. With their sights now firmly set on clinching a shock top-half finish in 2023, Saturday s hosts should be smelling the chance to make an immediate return to winning ways here. Only sat outside the top-10 thanks to their goal difference, Paolo Zanetti s men have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous eight domestic matchups. With their post-World Cup flurry highlighted by a famous 1-0 victory away at Italian giants Inter Milan on January 23rd, Empoli have also gained a reputation for their continued success on home soil. In fact, Zanetti s side have now collected 13 points from their previous five Serie A battles at the Stadio Carlo Castellani a run that stems all the way back to October 30th. However, watching Spezia get hit with a routine 3-0 drumming at home against Napoli last weekend, the Little Eagles are now firmly looking over their shoulder at the drop zone. Including an action-packed 5-2 loss away at Atalanta last month, Luca Gotti s side have lost each of their previous four top-flight outings. Suffering a 2-0 defeat against Bologna in their last showdown outside of Liguria, we re expecting a similar outcome here.
Tip: Empoli win Under 4.5 goals @ 11/8
15:00 Cardiff City vs Middlesbrough
While some might have been shocked to see Michael Carrick take charge at the Riverside back in October, Saturday s hosts are clearly enjoying a remarkable rise under the ex-Manchester United coach. Putting in another thumping display last weekend as they cruised their way to a 3-0 romp at home against Blackpool, the north east outfit now have their sights set on clinching a shock Premier League return in 2023. Skyrocketing their way into the play-off places and continuing to gain a string of plaudits, Carrick s men have won six of their last seven second-tier matchups. With that iconic flurry stemming all the way back to December 17th, Boro have also continued to shine with their free-scoring displays in the final third. With attacking talisman Chuba Akpom already mustering 16 Championship strikes this season, Middlesbrough should be relishing a trip to south Wales on Saturday afternoon. Putting in another toothless display as they slumped to a 1-0 loss away at Hull, Cardiff find themselves at the heart of a relegation scrap this year. In fact, along with losing each of their last four straight domestic matchups across all formats, Sabri Lamouchi s men have also failed to win any of their last 11 straight showdowns a run that stems all the way back to November 5th. Given the huge recent gulf in class between the two sides, we re backing an away victory here.
Tip: Middlesbrough win @ 11/10
15:00 Shrewsbury vs Port Vale
While Shrewsbury might have simply been in a battle to maintain their League One status last season, Saturday s hosts are in the midst of what has been a stellar purple patch. Last seen putting in another eye-catching display as they claimed a gritty 1-0 victory away at Oxford, the mood in Steve Cotterill s camp should be at a real high. Despite opening 2023 with another third-tier wobble, the Shropshire-based outfit have come roaring back in some style. In fact, the one-time Nottingham Forest boss has seen his high-flying squad win each of their last five straight League One contests. With that stellar run of form stemming all the way back to January 7th, the Shrews have certainly skyrocketed their way up the table. With that run highlighted by a thumping 5-1 romp against Cambridge, there is no doubt that Shrewsbury should be smelling a real chance here. On the flip side, while Port Vale might have been last seen snatching a 1-1 draw at home against Accrington Stanley, it doesn t cover what has been a worrying rut for Saturday s guests. Almost finding themselves sat in League One limbo, the Valiants have failed to win any of their last five straight third-tier battles. Likewise, claiming just a single victory outside of Burslem since way back on December 2nd, a home victory can be found at appealing odds this weekend.
Tip: Shrewsbury win @ 11/8
Our Saturday Accumulator:
Empoli vs Spezia Empoli win Under 4.5 goals @ 11/8
Cardiff City vs Middlesbrough Middlesbrough win @ 11/10
Shrewsbury vs Port Vale Shrewsbury win @ 11/8
Place a £10 bet on our accumulator with and pocket £118.45 if all predictions are correct.
