Tuesday 17th October 2017 Kickoff:1945hrs Manchester City v Napoli Football – Europe – Champions League When the draw was made for the group stage back in August, the clashes between Manchester City and Napoli were one of the most eagerly awaited games. The two light blue clad clubs have built up a reputation for playing some of the most attractive football in Europe and Tuesday’s game at the Etihad promises to be the first of two really enjoyable games. City, as was to be expected, have the advantage in Group F coming into this one having taken maximum points from their first two games whilst Napoli will be looking for a better result than their first away game of the section.
City and their manager Pep Guardiola were under pressure this season following a disappointing performance in the previous campaign, and having spent a further £200m in the summer transfer window. It could hardly have went better for them thus far though as they have delighted their supporters with some wonderful football and most importantly, a style that is bringing them success both domestically and in Europe. They have moved a couple of points clear at the top of the Premier League following a 7-2 romp at home to Stoke on Saturday and will be looking to cement their position at the top of their Champions League group with a third straight win. Their two wins to date have been achieved very differently having thumped Feyenoord 4-0 in Rotterdam on match day one before facing a stubborn Shakthar Donetsk team who they eventually seen off 2-0 at home last time out. The double header against Napoli is likely to determine where they finish in terms of first or second, so they’ll be going all out for three points.
Like their opponents on Tuesday, Napoli are setting the pace in their domestic league but they’ve gotten to the summit without dropping a single points – something the Manchester club have not been able to do. It’s a tremendous start for Maurizio Sarri’s men who have made progress each year under his reign and are now looking to go to that next step and win Serie A. With Juventus making an uncertain start there appears to be a real opportunity for them to do just that and having defeated Roma 1-0 in the Italian capital on Saturday, sent out a further signal of intent. Sarri’s men now have to turn their attentions to collecting vital Champions League points and their needs is probably greater than it might have been coming into this one having lost to Shakthar on match day one – a defeat that surprised many. Napoli atoned for that somewhat with a comfortable win against Feyenoord three weeks ago but they will face one of the hardest tasks in European football at the moment when facing what is a rampant City side in front of their own fans.
Manchester City v Napoli Betting Tips
There will be no shortage of attacking talent on show in this one with both teams possession some immensely gifted players. Kevin de Bruyne has attracted the most amount of plaudits following the start to his season but he’s one of many that is capable of producing moments of magic and that should lead to plenty of excitement for those watching on. City and Napoli are averaging over three goals scored per game in all competitions this year whilst they concede, on average, well under a goal. Considering the success they have both enjoyed this season that’s possibly not too much of a surprise but it’s symptomatic of how they play. Both coaches look to starve the opposition of possession so it will be interesting how that affects this game.
I’m really keen on there being more goals scored in the second half in this one. 66% of Man City’s goals and 62% of Napoli’s are scored after half time and whilst they both concede more in the first half, I expect the first period of the game to be when each team feels the other out.
More goals scored in second half 10/11 @ Betfair
