Betfair Live Video: Livorno to triumph in promotion showdown

1Jun 2013

Betfair

Betfair Live Video brings you more top notch action from the world of football this Sunday. First up a promotion decider from Tuscany then it's off to Brazil to check up on Ronaldinho and co.

Livorno vs Empoli

Sunday 15:00

It's the playoff final second leg in Serie B as Livorno take on Empoli in a Tuscan derby to decide who claims promotion to the big time.

On Wednesday these two played the first leg in Empoli, it ended all square at 1-1 and there was little to pick between the sides. On Sunday it will be Livorno at home and as long as they can avoid defeat they will be celebrating promotion.

There is an unusual rule in the Serie B playoffs; if the two-legged final ends in a draw then it will go to extra time but if there is still no winner after that instead of heading to penalties the team that ended higher in the regular season goes up. Empoli finished seven points below their Tuscan neighbours so the impetuous is on them to win.

Coach Maurizio Sarri must put out an attacking line up and expect a front three of Massimo Maccarone, Riccardo Saponara and Francesco Tavano, between them they have 54 goals this season.

Livorno also have impressive goal scorers in their ranks, not least Paulinho, the Brazilian hot shot was one of the players of the season. They should be confident at the Stadio Armando Picchi, they scored more home goals than anyone this year.

But Livorno's recent form has been pretty unimpressive, after loosing their last game in the regular season they only scraped through the playoff semi with two draws, relying on their higher league finish to make the final. Bizarrely they could gain promotion with four 1-1 draws in the Playoffs.

So the hosts are far from at their best but have the home advantage and the rule book on their side. With Empoli piling forward Livorno should get chances on the break. They are in the driving seat and expect them to succeed.

Recommended Bet:

Back Livorno to win @ 2.02

Atletico v Sao Paulo

Sunday 22:30

Second match day from the Brazilian top flight and Betfair Live Video brings you two of the main title contenders going head to head. The action comes from Belo Horizonte as Atletico Miniero host Sao Paulo.

Atletico came through a tough Copa Libertadores quarter final on Thursday night with a last minute penalty save from Victor ensuring their progress on away goals, they have now been installed as strong favourites for the competition at 1.81.

Led by the enigmatic Ronaldinho, Atletico finished runners up last year after a thrilling campaign outscoring every other team in the league. This season didn't start so well, the 'Galo' lost their first game but that was due partially to them missing a lot of their first team.

Although a little jaded from the win over Tijuana they should put out their best eleven on Sunday for the first home league match of the season. Expect to see Ronaldinho supporting Tardelli and Jo up front, without a win in four in all competitions it's time for them to up their game.

The visitors won't make that easy. Sao Paulo have showed real intent in their opening two league matches, winning both and scoring seven in the process. Luis Fabiano looked red hot last week as they cruised past Vasco, they currently sit top of the pile.

New signing Lucio, the ageless indomitable defender will start again but don't expect to see the much-hyped Ganso, his injury problems seem never ending.

The last time these two met was a month ago in the Copa Libertadores, Atletico shone, winning both legs and netting four at home including a hatrick for Jo.

With so much fire power on show expect an entertaining contest, goals are guaranteed so it'll be worth staying up for.

Recommended Bets:

Back Over 3.5 Goals @ 3

Back the draw @ 3.35