Prediction: Napoli vs Barcelona

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 4/7

Bookmaker: Dachbet

In what could be an action-packed Champions League showdown on Wednesday night, Barcelona will make the trip over to Italy when they meet Napoli.

Napoli

Starting with the hosts, while Napoli might have made real Serie A history last season as they claimed a first domestic crown since 1990, the Azzuri have come crashing back down to earth this time around. Failing to pick up any kind of momentum over the weekend as they had to settle for a 1-1 stalemate at home against Genoa, it is no secret that Walter Mazzarri has a huge amount of pressure on his shoulders. Coming under a ton of scrutiny this year and remarkably holding just a three-point buffer from slipping out the top-half of the Serie A table, the former Watford boss has seen his struggling squad muster just a single victory from any of their previous five domestic appearances across all formats. Struggling to find any kind of stability this season, it should also be highlighted that Napoli have registered just a trio of wins from any of their last 11 showdowns – a run that stems all the way back to December 16th.

Team News

In what looks set to be a major boost for Napoli on Wednesday night, attacking talisman Victor Osimhen looks set to make a first appearance for Napoli of 2024. Likewise, returning from a muscle injury over the weekend, Alex Meret will once again start between the sticks on Wednesday night.

26-year-old defender Mathias Olivera could make a first start since the end of November here. Making his Napoli debut over the weekend after completing a January switch from Premier League outfit Bournemouth, Hamed Junio Traore will be hoping to keep his spot in Mazzarri’s midfield.

Barcelona

As for the visitors, while Barcelona might have mounted a dramatic late flurry over the weekend as they eventually snatched a 2-1 victory away at Celta Vigo, the Spanish giants have accepted that they will be unable to defend their domestic crown in 2024. However, although it might have been announced earlier in the month that Xavi will be leaving the Nou Camp at the end of the season, the Catalonia-based outfit are enjoying somewhat of a recent flurry. Mustering 10 points from their previous four La Liga appearances, Barcelona should also be excited by their recent success on the road. Including an action-packed 4-2 victory away at Real Betis on January 21st, Wednesday’s guests have won six of their last eight showdowns away from the Nou Camp. Desperate to claim a first-leg advantage here, Xavi’s camp will also be excited by a rampant record against Napoli. Including a 5-3 aggregate win when they met the Azzuri in Europa League action two years ago, Barca are unbeaten in all of their last six meetings across all formats.

Team News

All still dealing with respective injury issues, Barcelona will once again be without the likes of Marcos Alonso, Sergi Roberto, Gavi and Atletico Madrid loanee Joao Felix on Wednesday night. Handed a rest over the weekend, former Manchester City star Ilkay Gundogan could be handed a full recall in Naples.

Bagging a dramatic brace against Celta Vigo on Saturday and now notching eight goals in his previous 11 appearances across all competitions, Polish record-breaker Robert Lewandowski will lead Xavi’s charge in midweek. Marc-Andre ten Stegen will once again start between the sticks.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Napoli and Barcelona last met back in February 2022 while on Europa League duties, the Spanish giants picked up a 5-3 aggregate victory.
• Napoli have recorded just a single win from any of their previous five domestic appearances across all competitions.
• Barcelona have won six of their previous eight showdowns away from the Nou Camp.
• All of Barca’s last 11 straight matchups outside of Catalonia have finished with both teams finding the net.
• Napoli have recorded just a single clean sheet on home soil since opening up the New Year.

Conclusion

With Barcelona eventually claiming a thrilling 5-3 aggregate victory when they met Napoli in Europa League action two years ago, neutrals could be treated to another thriller on Wednesday night. While the Spanish giants might have won six of their previous eight showdowns away from the Nou Camp, they have gained a reputation for their action-packed affairs outside of Catalonia. In fact, with Xavi’s men seeing all of their last 11 straight away fixtures finish with both teams finding the net, we are expecting a similar outcome here.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 4/7

Bookmaker: Dachbet