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Horse Racing Barcelona vs Napoli Prediction: Team News and Lineups Preview
Tom Winch is here with a Barcelona vs Napoli prediction, team news, lineups and fixtures preview. The pair meet on Tuesday night in the Champions League.
When these sides met in Naples, it was a tightly contested affair. The tie is all square heading into this encounter. Xavi’s men are big favourites to qualify. Napoli can’t be underestimated despite their poor season. Is a potential upset on the horizon? Our Barcelona vs Napoli prediction is for the match to finish 1-1.
- Barcelona vs Napoli Tip 1: Napoli +0.5 Asian Handicap
- Barcelona vs Napoli Tip 2: Victor Osimhen AGS
- Barcelona vs Napoli Tip 3: Andreas Christensen To Receive A Card
Barcelona vs Napoli Tip 1: New Look Napoli?
Europe, Champions League, Tuesday, March 12th, 20:00 (UK)
Barcelona are favourites in this enticing encounter. Xavi’s men are priced at 1.80 on average to win this clash within 90 minutes. They’re a decent side, and that’s as far as I’d go. I’m not sure we can trust them at this current stage. Multiple key players are injured, especially in midfield.
The Spanish giants have an impressive home record. They won all three group-stage matches in this competition. Only four sides from 14 have left Barcelona with points in La Liga.
Napoli have been a shadow of themselves. They were tremendous in 22/23, so their drop in quality comes as little surprise. Francesco Calzona has been in charge just four times this season. He’s yet to taste defeat. Since that 1-1 draw in Naples, the Italian side hit Sassuolo for six and claimed maximum points against Juventus.
I like Napoli here. We can get them onside at an appealing price. If the visitors avoid defeat, we make a profit. They’ll arrive here with confidence; their star men have performed in recent weeks. Napoli could be a side-to-back for the remainder of the campaign.
- Barcelona vs Napoli Prediction: Napoli +0.5 Asian Handicap (TRACKED BET)
- Best Odds: 2.04
- Bookmaker: bet365
- Stake: 6/10
Barcelona vs Napoli Tip 2: He’s A Wanted Man
Victor Osimhen is a quality striker. The Nigerian is a goal threat. Europe’s biggest clubs are after his signature. Since returning from AFCON, Osimhen has scored five goals in four matches. Napoli’s number nine scored the equaliser in the first leg.
I expect Napoli to have a good go at Barca. The visitors aren’t out of this tie by any means. Osimhen has scored 0.79 goals per 90 in Italy’s top flight across the current campaign. He’ll be on penalty duty if his side are to receive one, a boost to our selection.
Barcelona have conceded in each of their five previous Champions League matches. Shakhtar scored home and away, and Porto bagged at this venue. Antwerp put three past Xavi’s men. Despite Napoli’s underwhelming campaign, they’re still a level above on their day.
I like to think Osimhen will turn it on in this encounter. The Nigerian international may leave Napoli at the end of the season, so impressive performances at the highest level will be vital. There’s no doubting his ability. A goal from our man has a great chance.
- Barcelona vs Napoli Prediction 2: Victor Osimhen AGS (TRACKED BET)
- Best Odds: Awaiting Odds
- Bookmaker: bet365
- Stake: 3/10
Barcelona vs Napoli Tip 3: A Dane Out Of His Depth
When Andreas Christensen joined Barcelona, a side known for their world-class midfield, I doubt the Danish international would’ve expected himself to play in this position. Barca is suffering with a whole host of absentees. It’s become more of a desperation. It’s a huge injury list, especially across the midfield.
The 27-year-old has started in the middle of the park for six consecutive matches. He’s made a foul in all six encounters, which includes nine in his last three outings. Andreas was a busy man in Naples. The Dane committed three fouls and received a booking. Another action-packed performance would do nicely.
Christensen has picked up more cautions in the last three weeks than he has done in seven of his previous eight seasons. A midfield role causes him significant issues. I’m more than happy to back him here in the card market.
A battle is on the agenda. It’s a clash of significant importance. Barcelona’s title defence is close to being over. Napoli have been well off the pace in Serie A. They’re not even guaranteed a spot in Europe next season. Let’s hope we see another midfielder battle and a combative performance from the Dane.
- Barcelona vs Napoli Prediction 3: Andreas Christensen To Receive A Card (TRACKED BET)
- Best Odds: Awaiting Odds
- Bookmaker: bet365
- Stake: 3/10
Barcelona vs Napoli Prediction odds via bet365 as at 19:00, March 6th, 2024. Odds may now differ.
Barcelona vs Napoli Team News and Possible Lineups: Barca’s Midfield Struggles Continue
Barcelona has a severe injury list. Alejandro Balde and Gavi are out for the season. Ferran Torres remains a doubt. Frenkie De Jong and Pedri will both miss this match.
The Spanish side are without valuable midfielders. I expect Andreas Christensen to start in central midfield, just like he did in the opening clash. Robert Lewandowski is fit and firing. He could be the difference maker.
Amir Rrahmani and Jens-Lys Cajuste are likely to miss the match. They’re suffering from muscle and thigh injuries.
Kvaradona and Osimhen have looked much better in recent weeks. The pair were phenomenal last season but have struggled to replicate that form.
Barcelona possible starting lineup: Ter Stegen; Kounde, Araujo, Martinez, Cancelo, Christensen, Gundogan, Lopez, Raphinha, Lamal; Lewandowski
Napoli possible starting lineup: Meret; Di Lorenzo, Ostigard, Jesus, Olivera, Anguissa, Lobotka, Traore, Politano, Kvaratskhelia; Osimhen
Match Stats: Goals On The Agenda
- Barcelona won the shot counter 12-6 in the opening leg. Napoli failed to register an attempt in the first half.
- Napoli’s Victor Osimhen is averaging 3.68 shots per 90 in the Champions League this season.
- Barcelona have scored in 36 of their 39 matches in all competitions this season.
- Napoli have found the back of the net in all seven of their Champions League games this term.
Barcelona Fixtures: That’s Tricky, Madrid Clubs Pose A Threat
- Vs Atletico Madrid (A)
- Vs Las Palmas (H)
- Vs Cadiz (A)
- Vs Real Madrid (A)
- Vs Valencia (H)
Napoli Fixtures: Fixtures Become More Appealing As Weeks Progress
- Vs Inter (A)
- Vs Atalanta (H)
- Vs Monza (A)
- Vs Frosinone (H)
- Vs Empoli (A)
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