Frederik
Preview: FC Barcelona vs. Napoli - Team news and prediction
Wide-open clash in the Champions League as Barcelona welcomes Napoli.
The first leg in Napoli ended in a 1-1 draw, in a match where Barcelona, despite playing away, had the upper hand and might be more dissatisfied with just one point. This means that tonight's match is wide open, with both teams starting on equal footing. Napoli hasn't had a remarkable season, but they have managed to remain undefeated since the two teams first met (2 wins and 2 draws).
Barcelona has secured two victories and a draw since their last encounter with Napoli, particularly getting a grip on their defense with three consecutive clean sheets.
Last five meetings between Barcelona vs. Napoli:
◉ 1-1: Napoli vs. Barcelona
◉ 2-4: Napoli vs. Barcelona
◉ 1-1: Barcelona vs. Napoli
◉ 3-1: Barcelona vs. Napoli
◉ 1-1: Napoli vs. Barcelona
Team news:
Ferran Torres, Alejandro Balde, Gavi, Marcos Alonso, Pedri, and Frenkie de Jong are all injured and not included in the Champions League squad. Raphinha is doubtful, so Xavi faces significant challenges in selecting the starting XI.
Jens Cajuste and Cyril Ngonge are highly doubtful for Napoli and are not expected to be part of tonight's squad. Rrahmani is also doubtful, but he is expected to be on the bench and match-fit. Piotr Zielinski is transferring to Inter Milan in the summer, and since the announcement, he has not been included in the Champions League squad.
Barcelona expected lineup:
Ter Stegen; Kounde, Araujo, Martinez, Cancelo; Gundogan, Christensen, Lopez; Yamal, Lewandowski, Felix.
Napoli expected lineup:
Meret; Di Lorenzo, Ostigard, Jesus, Olivera; Anguissa, Lobotka, Traore; Politano, Osimhen, Kvaratskhelia.
Prediction:
Based on the first leg, Barcelona is considered the favorite, but Napoli has the potential to reach their top level and can compete on equal terms with the Spanish giants. We believe it will be a tactically oriented match with few goals; therefore, we suggest under 2.5 goals in the game at odds of 2.07 with Betway.
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