𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐈𝐏𝐋 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 🏏👉
As we gear up for the highly anticipated Round of 16 clash in the UCL 2023-24 season, all eyes are set on the iconic Camp Nou as Napoli squares off against FC Barcelona.
Napoli and Barcelona have a storied history, having crossed paths on 9 occasions in the past. The Catalan giants have emerged victorious on 5 occasions, while Napoli managed just a solitary win, with 3 matches ending in stalemates.
Both teams enter this clash amidst fluctuating domestic performances. Napoli, the reigning Serie A champions, find themselves struggling to replicate their past glory, languishing away from the summit of the league table. Meanwhile, Barcelona, perennial contenders in La Liga, sit 8 points adrift from the top spot, occupying the third position.
The first leg of this encounter, held in Italy, culminated in a tightly contested 1-1 draw, with Robert Lewandowski and Victor Osimhen etching their names on the scoresheet for their respective sides.
Given the attacking prowess of both teams, as well as their recent defensive vulnerabilities, there's a strong likelihood of goals being scored by both sides.
The betting tip is...
Both teams to score
71 %
29 %
As Barcelona braces for the crucial Champions League clash against Napoli, they face some significant team news hurdles. De Jong's recent injury adds to their woes, joining the sidelined players like Pedri, Torres and Roberto, while Gavi remains out for the season.
However, amidst these setbacks, Barcelona boasts formidable firepower. Lewandowski, with an impressive tally of 16 goals and 5 assists this season, stands as a potent threat in front of the goal. Despite Torres' doubtful status due to injury, his contribution of 11 goals and 3 assists cannot be understated.
Gundogan emerges as a consistent force in midfield, having notched up 5 goals and 6 assists silently but effectively. Additionally, the reliable hands of Ter Stegen, with clean sheets in the last two matches, assure the back.
Yet, caution looms over some key players, as Araújo, De Jong, Torres, and João Félix risk missing the next match if booked.
Lewandowski will be the player to watch in this home fixture.
Predicted Lineup: M. Ter Stegen; Jules Koundé, R. Araujo, Pau Cubarsí, Inigo Martínez; João Cancelo, A. Christensen, Ilkay Gündoğan; Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha
As Napoli braces for their UCL showdown with Barcelona, they face some key team news updates. Jens-Lys Cajuste, sidelined with a thigh injury, is expected to make his return in late March. However, Cyril Ngonge's availability remains doubtful due to a muscle injury, adding a layer of uncertainty to Napoli's preparations.
The hosts will draw confidence from the return of Victor Osimhen, who has been a standout performer with 13 goals this season, including crucial strikes post-AFCON. Alongside him, Matteo Politano, with 7 goals to his name, forms a potent offensive duo. Keep a close watch on Kvaratskhelia, Napoli's star, who has been instrumental alongside Osimhen in recent campaigns.
Defensively, Di Lorenzo and Ostigard pose a threat from set-pieces, each contributing a goal. Napoli's discipline, evidenced by no bookings in the last meeting, coupled with their ability to maintain possession, presents a formidable challenge for Barcelona.
Osimhen and Kvaratskhelia are the key players in the team.
Predicted Lineup: Meret; G. Di Lorenzo, Leo Skri Østigård, Juan Jesus, Mazzocchi; Zambo Anguissa, Lobotka, Hamed Traoré; M. Politano, Victor Osimhen, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
This fixture promises a thrilling encounter, with both sides hungry for a spot in the UCL 2023/24 quarter-finals.
Despite Barcelona's home advantage, Napoli's recent form and defensive solidity could pose a challenge. Expect a closely contested battle, with Napoli's disciplined approach and the potent attacking duo of Osimhen and Politano testing Barcelona's defence.
In addition, Barcelona's experience in navigating high-stakes European encounters could give them a psychological edge, especially with the likes of Ter Stegen providing stability at the back.
Anticipate a high-intensity match with goals on both ends, ultimately culminating in a narrow victory for Barcelona, likely by a 2-1 margin.
