Manchester City vs Napoli Tips & Preview - Citizens to overcome stern Italian test

By Tolu Shotade

10 seconds ago

Tolu Shotade 10 seconds ago

Share this article

Man City face Napoli in UCL opener at the Etihad.
City strong at home; Napoli unbeaten in Serie A but winless in England.
Both sides likely to score; expect over 2.5 goals.

Manchester City vs Napoli

Manchester City begin their campaign in the league phase of the UEFA Champions League with a home clash against Napoli on Thursday.

The Neapolitans are enjoying a fine start to the season, but have a poor record in England. Meanwhile, the Citizens are coming off a fine performance last weekend and will carry that confidence into this clash.

Manchester City News

It has been a mixed start to the season for Manchester City, who have claimed two wins and suffered as many defeats in their last four matches. However, they will head into Thursday's clash off the back of a 3-0 home victory over Manchester United in an English Premier League fixture last weekend.

The task for Manchester City will be to replicate that performance on Thursday as they often do their best work at the Etihad. Pep Guardiola's team have won five of their last six home matches across all competitions.

Manchester City have no problems going forward and have scored in three of their last four matches, with all three fixtures producing over 2.5 goals. However, they have failed to keep a clean sheet in two of their last three matches.

Napoli News

Napoli have made a bright start to the season, winning all four of their Serie A matches so far. They travel to the Etihad off the back of a 3-1 victory at Fiorentina last weekend, with Kevin De Bruyne among the goals.

The Neapolitans have scored in all four matches this season, and their attack is orchestrated by De Bruyne, who has two goals already and will be facing his former club. However, they have shown some defensive lapses, failing to keep a clean sheet in two of their four fixtures, both of which have produced over 2.5 goals.

Manager Antonio Conte will be keen to transmit their good form into the Champions League, but Napoli often struggle against English opposition. They have never won an away game against a Premier League side, with nine defeats and three draws from 12 previous matches.

Head to Head

Manchester City have two wins while Napoli have earned just one victory, with one draw from four previous matches. The Citizens did the double during the group stage of the 2017-18 Champions League, winning 2-1 at home before a 4-2 victory in the reverse fixture.

Verdict

Man City v Napoli

Napoli are showing some quality at the moment, but seem to always struggle in England regardless of their form at the time. Meanwhile, Manchester City will be full of confidence after their win on Sunday and should have the upper hand here.

Manchester City and Napoli have scored in their last two meetings, with both fixtures producing over 2.5 goals. Thursday's clash is likely to produce a similar outcome.

Manchester City

To Win

@-142.86 - 3 Units

25 SC no deposit & 250,000 GC

Use promo code NEWBONUS

Get 25 Stake Cash & 250,000 Gold Coins when you sign up with code NEWBONUS at Stake.us. USA only. Excludes certain States including NY,NV,ID, KY,WA. 18+ only. Terms and Conditions apply.

Bet at Stake.com

Over 2.5

Total Goals

@-140.85 - 3 Units

25 SC no deposit & 250,000 GC

Use promo code NEWBONUS

Get 25 Stake Cash & 250,000 Gold Coins when you sign up with code NEWBONUS at Stake.us. USA only. Excludes certain States including NY,NV,ID, KY,WA. 18+ only. Terms and Conditions apply.

Bet at Stake.com

Yes

Both Teams To Score

@-136.99 - 3 Units

25 SC no deposit & 250,000 GC

Use promo code NEWBONUS

Get 25 Stake Cash & 250,000 Gold Coins when you sign up with code NEWBONUS at Stake.us. USA only. Excludes certain States including NY,NV,ID, KY,WA. 18+ only. Terms and Conditions apply.

Bet at Stake.com