Manchester City has been dominant in the English Premier League, but they would really like to win the Champions League, and they’re off to a great start. They’ll look to continue that on Tuesday when they host Napoli, who are third in Group F.
What To Know About Napoli
Napoli have a win and a loss in their first two games of group-stage action as they won 3-1 at home over Feyenoord at home in their last European match. Lorenzo, Insigne, Dries Mertens and Jose Callejon all found the back of the net for Napoli, who did give up a late goal in injury time that could come back to bite them if qualification for the next round comes down to goal difference. These three are their top scorers, led by Mertens, who has eight goals in all competitions so far this season, but it is their defense that could end up being their downfall. It is definitely not a defense that can win them the Champions League and it might not even get them out of the group stage. Napoli also has a tricky visit to Roma in Serie A this weekend.
What To Know About Manchester City
City have won both of their games to start the Champions League and they won 2-0 at home over Shaktar Donetsk (who beat Napoli 2-1 at home in their first game). Kevin De Bruyne scored a stunner from outside the box, while Raheem Sterling also scored for City, who has been much better as De Bruyne has been better. The Belgian has been playing a little deeper and his ability to open up the opposition with his vision has been incredible. City’s biggest concern might be up front as Sergio Aguero won’t play in this game due to broken ribs suffered in a car accident, but City has more than enough firepower without him. City will be at home this weekend to take on Stoke City in the English Premier League.
Outlook
City are the favorites at home in this match at -167, while Napoli is rated at +400 and a draw comes in at +320. These two met in the group stage of the 2011 Champions League, with Napoli drawing 1-1 at City, and then winning 2-1 at home. Edinson Cavani scored all three goals for Napoli, but he isn’t there anymore (he is at Paris Saint Germain) and while Mertens is good, he is no Cavani.
The biggest worry for Napoli is their defense, which has looked decent enough in Serie A, where they’re atop the table and have allowed just five goals this season. However, there have been enough shaky moments in the Champions League to make you concerned about how they’ll deal with City, who has Gabriel Jesus to step in for Aguero, and David Silva can make life miserable for them in midfield. Combine that with a tough away game at Roma in the league on the weekend and Napoli will have their hands full in Manchester against the Group F leaders.
Champions League Betting Pick: Manchester City
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