Prediction: Benfica vs Napoli



Verdict: Over 2.5 goals

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: bet365

With Besiktas sitting just one point behind them in the standings, Benfica and Napoli are aware they could be eliminated from the Champions League, although the Azzurri are in better position as even a draw would see them qualify regardless of the result in Kiev. All things considered, we expect to see a cracking game of football at Estadio da Luz.

Benfica

Benfica have successfully ended FC Porto’s domestic domination by lifting three straight Primeira Liga trophies and they are again leading the title chase in Portugal. The Eagles also managed to
prove their worth in Europe, albeit losing back to back Europa League finals, and they are now out to try and secure their place in the Champions League knockout stages. Despite sitting top of Group B, Benfica will be eliminated if they fail to defeat Napoli and Besiktas triumph in Kiev. This means that the Eagles have got to try and see off the Azzurri at their Estadio da Luz, which is not going to be an easy task. Benfica players clearly had one eye on the Napoli game when they faced Maritimo at the weekend, which resulted in the first defeat of the new Primeira Liga campaign, but they will definitely be more focused when they meet the Italian giants. Benfica had a slow start to the current Champions League campaign, sharing spoils with Besiktas at home before suffering a 4-2 loss at Stadio San Paolo, but back to back wins over Dynamo Kiev seriously improved their position. The Eagles were on the verge of qualifying for the next stage as they had a three-goal lead in Istanbul, but eventually had to settle for a 3-3 draw as they conceded three second-half goals.

Team News

It has been revealed that starting left-back Alex Grimaldo is not ready to return into action, meaning that Eliseu will continue to deputise.



Napoli

Napoli haven’t quite managed to impress in Europe’s elite competition over the last few years, but they were given a chance to shine this term having been placed into one of the easiest groups. The Azzurri started really well, recording back to back victories over Dynamo Kiev and Benfica, but they have since picked up just two more points from next three games. Napoli were surprisingly disappointing at Stadio San Paolo, losing to Besiktas and sharing spoils with Dynamo Kiev, meaning they now need to show considerable improvement against Benfica if they want to avoid crashing out of the competition. The good news is that they will qualify for the next stage if they win or draw at Estadio da Luz, or regardless of the result if Besiktas fail to triumph in Kiev. Nevertheless, coach Maurizio Sarri will want his side to try and win in Lisbon, so chances are he will adopt a positive approach. Napoli have somewhat stabilised their form, winning two of last three league fixtures and the 3-0 triumph over Inter Milan will definitely serve as a major confidence boost.

Team News

Maurizio Sarri welcomes back Dries Mertens from a domestic suspension, while Elseid Hysaj should be fit to play after recovering from a minor knock.

Key Factors to Consider

• Napoli won three of four meetings with Benfica (L1)
• A total of 16 goals were scored in those four matches
• A total of 21 goals were scored in Benfica’s last seven CL fixtures
• Napoli scored in nine of ten away matches in the Champions League
• Benfica won last six games at Estadio da Luz

Conclusion

Considering the form Besiktas are in, Benfica and Napoli cannot exactly rely on Dynamo Kiev to help them qualify for the next stage, and there is a good chance one of the two sides will be eliminated with the final whistle of the clash at Estadio da Luz. And, with both sides bagging goals for fun at the moment, a high-scoring affair should be on the cards.

Verdict: Over 2.5 goals

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: bet365