Prediction: Bayern Munich vs Napoli

1st November 2011

High-flying Bayern Munich can make a giant step towards the first place in Group A by beating Napoli at Alianz Arena, although the Azzurri will also have a lot to play for with Manchester City breathing down their necks. Everything suggests we will see an interesting match in Munich, even if the visitors are likely to adopt a cautious approach.

Bayern back to their best

Following some under-par showings from last season, Bayern Munich were expected to show an improvement this term and the Bavarians didn’t need a lot of time to show that this will be their season. After losing their opening game to Borussia Moenchengladbach, Jupp Heynckes’ side went on to win next ten games without conceding a single goal in the process, something that no team will be able to repeat any time soon. After keeping two more clean sheets, the Bavarians ended the amazing run by conceding an own goal at San Paolo, and had to settle for a 1:1 draw despite largely outplaying their opponents in Naples. They have since lost to Hannover in Bundesliga, but returned to the right track with two convincing home victories, and are now determined to beat Napoli as well and thus virtually secure their place in the Champions League knockout stages. Bastian Schweinsteiger and Daniel Van Buyten should start after shaking off minor knocks, but Arjen Robben remains sidelined.

Napoli are finding it increasingly hard to cope with the pressure of expectations, with the Azzurri showing numerous weaknesses in the opening exchanges of the season. On their day, Walter Mazzarri’s side can beat just about any team in Europe, as witnessed by victories over Milan, Villarreal, Inter and Udinese, but the big problem is that the Azzurri have been struggling for consistency of late. Napoli have already lost three games to bottom-table Serie A sides this term, which definitely gives boss Mazzarri something to worry about. The first match between the two teams showed a real gulf in class, with Bayern dominating big part of the game, only for Napoli to salvage one point thanks to an own goal by Holger Badstuber. The Partenopei could find it really hard to match Bayern at their own ground, especially considering that the Bavarians have won last seven home games without conceding a single goal. The visitors arrived to Germany without two key players, with Paolo Cannavaro and Walter Gargano missing out through suspension and injury respectively, which only adds to the worries.

Conclusion

Bayern have been thoroughly impressive at their Alianz Arena, where they usually record comfortable wins regardless of the opponent. If Napoli were on top of their game, they might be able to give the Bavarians a real run for their money, but in this situation, I don’t think the Azzurri are capable of anything more than an honourable defeat.

Verdict: Bayern to win to nil

Best Odds: 11/10

Bookmaker: 888Sport