Prediction: Barcelona vs Napoli

Prediction: Barcelona win

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: 888sport

The UEFA Europa League is officially back after a few months away and we’re down to the nitty-gritty with just a handful of teams left in the race to become European champions in the second biggest club competition on the continent. There will be a whole host of clubs that believe they could go on a nice run all the way to the final with Barcelona and Napoli both believing a win in this tie could vault them onto bigger and better things.

Barcelona

The rebuild project at the Nou Camp is going to take some real time to perfect but with Xavi Hernandez being so committed to it, and having such an emotional connection with the club, nothing is impossible. They aren’t going to win the league this season but if they can secure a Europa triumph, it may give them the boost they need heading into an important summer transfer window.

Team News

Umtiti, Fati, Roberto, Araujo, Balde and Alves are all out of action, with Lenglet and Depay currently being viewed as doubtful. Elsewhere, Aubameyang could well make his full debut.

Napoli

The Serie A title race is well and truly on with three or four clubs still being in with a genuine chance of taking home the trophy. Napoli are one of the most celebrated teams in all of Italian football and between their attacking prowess and truly excellent defensive record, they’ve got all the tools they need to cause some serious problems in this knockout stage.

Team News

Tuanzebe has been left out of Napoli’s squad for the knockout phase of the UEL with their only fitness worries being Politano and Lozano.

Factors to Consider

• Barcelona finished third in UCL’s Group E, whereas Napoli finished 2nd in UEL’s Group C.
• Barcelona have won two, drawn two and lost two of their last six games.
• Napoli have won four, drawn one and lost one of their last six games.
• Barcelona have scored 12 goals and conceded 11 in their last six games.
• Napoli have scored 12 goals and conceded seven in their last six games.

Conclusion

We expect this to be a pretty eventful game with Napoli constantly trying to slow Barca down, given their new attacking prowess. It’s going to take a toll on the Spaniards but eventually, they’ll be able to wear Napoli down and get their noses in front. The final scoreline, in our view, is going to be 1-0 Barcelona, leaving this tie wide open as we head into the second leg.

Prediction: Barcelona win

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: 888sport