Prediction: Manchester City vs Napoli

14th September 2011

The two teams enter the Champions League group stages for the first time in their history, following some impressive results on domestic stage. Manchester City have got to be considered favourites here, but they have to be wary of Napoli’s counterattacking potential and the likes of Lavezzi, Cavani and Hamsik.

Manchester City have been a joy to watch at the start of this season, having shown a massive improvement from some under-par performances from last term, and the mere fact that the team are now considered genuine title contenders shows how much the Citizens have progressed of late. New signings Aguero, Clichy and Nasri have fitted in remarkably well, and with Edin Dzeko and David Silva in amazing form at the start of the season, City have become a real goal machine. The players are now brimming with confidence following four convincing wins in the Premiership and they are eager to take their league form into the Champions League games. Roberto Mancini faces small selection problems as Gareth Barry and James Milner are doubtful, whereas Nigel De Jong and Mario Balotelli miss out through injury and suspension respectively.

Just like Manchester City have done in England, Napoli managed to upset the order in Italian Serie A last term, having spent big part of the league campaign fighting for the title, although the Partenopei eventually had to settle for a third-place finish. Napoli needed a lot of time to return to old glory days, so club owners are now determined to build on the latest success and have done a really good job in the summer transfer window. In spite of the heavy interest from abroad, the Partenopei managed to keep hold of star trio Hamsik, Cavani, Lavezzi, while adding players like Inler, Santana, Britos, Dzemaili, Donadel and Pandev to the ranks. The 3:1 away win over Cesena in their opening Serie A clash showed that the team are well prepared for the Manchester City game, and there are no doubts that Napoli are coming to Eastlands for a win. Miguel Britos and Marco Donadel remain sidelined, but Marek Hamsik should return to the starting line-up.

Conclusion

Goals should be the order of the day when two attack-minded sides face each other, meaning that fans at Eastlands are likely to see a very open game, full of chances on both ends. Both City and Napoli boast some amazing players up front, so backing both teams to score looks like the right thing to do.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 1/1

Bookmaker: William Hill