Barcelona vs Napoli Prediction and Betting Tips: Back the hosts to win and BTTS in Catalonia
Napoli and Barcelona played out a 1-1 draw last month and meet again on Tuesday evening in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie. Below you can find our two best bets for the game from North Eastern Spain.
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Barca are unbeaten in eight and have kept three successive clean sheets since conceding Victor Osimhen's equaliser in Naples.
They beat Mallorca 1-0 on Friday, while Napoli also played that evening, but were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Torino.
Injuries have impacted both sides this season but the Blaugrana have had the edge over Napoli in recent meetings - avoiding defeat in the last five - and could sneak through again.
Team news
Fitness setbacks, especially in midfield, have been a recurrent issue for Barcelona, with Frenkie de Jong (ankle) and Pedri (hamstring) joining Gavi (knee) in the treatment room.
That means that youngster Fermin Lopez may be selected to play alongside Andreas Christensen and Ilkay Gundogan in the engine room.
An ankle problem renders Raphinha a doubt, but the Blaugrana are boosted by Ronald Araujo's availability following suspension, while 16-year-old Lamine Yamal will hope to add to his status as the youngest-ever player to feature in the knockout rounds of the Champions League by also becoming the competition's most junior goalscorer.
Napoli should be more recognisable going forward, with Osimhen leading the line, although Jens Cajuste, Cyril Ngonge and Amir Rrahmani are doubts with thigh injuries.
A key absentee is Piotr Zielinski, who was not registered for the knockout stages of the Champions League due to his refusal to sign a new contract ahead of his anticipated summer move to Inter Milan.
- Predicted XIs for both teams
Barcelona (4-3-3): Ter Stegen; Kounde, Araujo, Martinez, Cancelo; Gundogan, Christensen, Lopez; Yamal, Lewandowski, Felix.
Napoli (4-3-3): Meret; Di Lorenzo, Ostigard, Jesus, Olivera; Anguissa, Lobotka, Traore; Politano, Osimhen, Kvaratskhelia.
Barcelona vs Napoli Tips
Barca boss Xavi's confirmation that he will be leaving in the summer initially failed to generate a noticeable response, but his team now look to be building momentum.
Their eight-point deficit to La Liga leaders Real Madrid may prove insurmountable and there are clearly better teams than them in this competition.
However, their reputation as five-time winners means they remain a threat and the Catalans should be able to squeeze past a Napoli side enduring a chaotic campaign.
Francesco Calzona is their third manager of 2023-24 and the club's perceived lack of direction has led to doubts over several stars' futures.
Calzona, who also coaches Slovakia, is expected to depart again in the summer and his primary focus might be re-qualifying for Europe through Serie A.
It is unlikely to be easy for Barca, with them still not entirely comfortable at their temporary home of the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys and with Osimhen eyeing history.
After netting in the first leg, another goal on Tuesday will see the reigning African Footballer of the Year become Nigeria's joint-leading scorer in this competition, joining Obafemi Martins on 10 goals.
The 25-year-old is among those tipped to depart Naples in the summer and the chance to match Martins will only add to his motivation.
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