The prediction of Barcelona and Napoli comes before the match of the Europa League first knockout round. This game will be played on February 17th, at Camp Nou, Spain. In this match overview, we bring you betting tips and accurate predictions of results based on the analysis of these two sides.
Barcelona vs Napoli Match Preview and Team News
Barcelona
Barcelona is going through a rough patch, and the draw with Espanyol in their last game will not help ease things for the Catalans. They are set to host Italian side Napoli in the knockout playoffs for the Europa League, a stage the Spanish giants are not so used to. The last time Barcelona played in Europe’s second-tier competition was in 2004. Their appearance at this stage is a result of a dismal performance in the Champions League and a highlight of just how bad their season has been. They are coming from a 2-2 draw with crosstown rivals Espanyol, and Barcelona needed a stoppage-time goal to level the game, which ended with three players sent off at the end of the clash. The Catalans have strengthened a bit after a tough first half of the season, but there still seems to lack a rhythm in the team. Adama Traore finally is the engine of this team, his greatest virtue is speed, and he has excellent ball control and can be satisfied with his performance. Gavi showed that he is a great player, he moves well and cooperates with the attackers, all praise for him.
Napoli
On the other hand, Napoli is more used to playing at this stage and will be looking to impose themselves over a shaky Barcelona in the first leg of this tie. The Italians will be well aware that Barcelona struggled in the Champions League, managing just two wins in their six group matches. With this, they will be gunning for an advantage in this clash. However, just like Barcelona, they have defensive issues, with only two clean sheets in the last five matches. Napoli is coming from a 1-1 draw with Inter Milan in Serie A, their fourth straight unbeaten outing and the third match in five that both sides have managed to score. Piotr Zielinski shows talent, he has excellent ball control, can play in multiple positions, and every team needs such a player. Dries Mertens is the engine of this team, his greatest virtue is speed, he has excellent ball control, and he can be satisfied with his performance.
Barcelona vs Napoli Predicted Lineups
Barcelona: Ter Stegen, Dest, Piqué, Araújo, Alba, Gavi, Busquets, Pedri, Traoré, Aubameyang, Dembélé.
Napoli: Ospina, Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Koulibaly, Rui, Anguissa, Ruiz, Elmas, Zieliński, Insigne, Osimhen.
Barcelona vs Napoli Betting Tips and Predictions
There are no favorites in this match, and we won’t be surprised if this clash could end in a draw.
This will be a big fight between these two rivals, and we should expect a goal from both teams. Football fans should enjoy this match and see at least a goal in each net.
Draw @ 3.50
BTTS Yes @ 1.65
Correct score 1:1 @ 8.00