Manchester City welcome Napoli to the Etihad Stadium in a blockbuster Champions League group stage clash. This tie carries extra spice as Kevin De Bruyne makes his return to Manchester for the first time since his surprise summer move to Napoli. City, managed by Pep Guardiola, have shown glimpses of dominance but also inconsistencies, losing to Spurs and Brighton while dismantling Manchester United. Napoli under Antonio Conte are thriving, with Rasmus Højlund hitting the ground running after joining on deadline day and De Bruyne pulling the strings in midfield. With both teams stacked with talent, this encounter promises high drama.
Man City vs Napoli Bet Builder Tip
Head-to-Head
- Matches Played: 4
- Manchester City Wins: 2
- Draws: 1
- Napoli Wins: 1
Last Five Meetings
- Manchester City 2–1 Napoli (Nov 2017, Champions League)
- Napoli 2–4 Manchester City (Nov 2017, Champions League)
- Napoli 2–1 Manchester City (Nov 2011, Champions League)
- Manchester City 1–1 Napoli (Sep 2011, Champions League)
Recent Form
Manchester City
- Manchester City 3–0 Manchester United
- Brighton 2–1 Manchester City
- Manchester City 0–2 Tottenham
- Wolves 0–4 Manchester City
- Palermo 0–3 Manchester City
Napoli
- Fiorentina 1–3 Napoli
- Napoli 1–0 Cagliari
- Sassuolo 0–2 Napoli
- Napoli 2–1 Olympiacos
- Napoli 4–0 Sorrento
Man City Team News
Pep Guardiola’s side arrive with several injury concerns. John Stones (knock), Mateo Kovacic (Achilles), Rayan Aït-Nouri (ankle), Omar Marmoush (knee), and Rayan Cherki (muscle) are all sidelined, limiting rotation options ahead of a huge weekend clash with Arsenal. Donnarumma, signed in the summer, made his debut in the Manchester derby and impressed between the posts. Abdukodir Khusanov and Nico O’Reilly were surprise picks at full-back and could retain their places, though Guardiola may shuffle his midfield with Rodri facing a heavy workload. Erling Haaland, who has 49 goals in 48 Champions League games, remains the focal point and will relish facing Napoli again after netting three against them during his Salzburg days.
Napoli Team News
Antonio Conte’s Napoli are also juggling injuries, with first-choice keeper Alex Meret, centre-back Amir Rrahmani, and striker Romelu Lukaku ruled out. Backup goalkeeper Nikita Contini is sidelined with a broken hand. The absences forced Napoli into the market, and Rasmus Højlund marked his debut with a goal after arriving late in the window. Kevin De Bruyne, who left City in the summer under circumstances he claimed weren’t his choice, has already scored twice in Serie A and will be desperate to prove a point at the Etihad. He joins Scott McTominay and Zambo Anguissa in a physical midfield trio, while Politano provides width. Conte’s men will look to stay compact defensively and strike on the counter.
Predicted Lineups
Manchester City (4-3-3):
Donnarumma; Khusanov, Rúben Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly; Rodri, Reijnders, Foden; Bobb, Doku; Haaland
Napoli (4-3-3):
Milinković-Savić; Di Lorenzo, Beukema, Buongiorno, Spinazzola; Lobotka, Zambo Anguissa, McTominay, De Bruyne; Politano; Højlund
Man City vs Napoli Prediction
Napoli arrive with confidence and a revitalised attack, but City’s firepower and home advantage should give Guardiola’s side the upper hand. Haaland looks set to extend his remarkable European scoring record, though De Bruyne’s return will ensure Napoli aren’t easily brushed aside.
Predicted Score: Manchester City 2–1 Napoli
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