Verdict: Draw
Finest Odds: 5/2
Bookmaker: Luckster
In what’s a must-win showdown for each side on Wednesday night time, Napoli and Chelsea will log off their respective Champions League group stage adventures after they meet in Naples.
Napoli
Beginning with the hosts, whereas Antonio Conte might need guided Napoli to an historic fourth Serie A crown final season, the previous Tottenham boss immediately has some severe stress mounting on his shoulders. Final seen over the weekend placing in a nightmare show as they slumped to a 3-0 drumming away at historic rivals Juventus, the Azzurri at the moment are in search of an actual miracle within the race to defend their home title in 2026. Likewise, pressured to accept a 1-1 stalemate away at Copenhagen final week, Napoli open Wednesday’s group stage finale sat outdoors the top-24 and so they face what’s a must-win showdown right here. Nonetheless, together with their points on the continent, Conte’s struggling squad have additionally notched only a sole victory from any of their earlier six appearances throughout all competitions.
Napoli Group Information
Coping with what has grow to be a stacked harm checklist in Naples, Conte’s aspect will as soon as once more be unable to name upon the likes of Billy Gilmour, David Neres and ex-Fulham star Frank Anguissa. Likewise, making a blockbuster summer time change after leaving Manchester Metropolis, Belgium worldwide Kevin De Bruyne stays on the sidelines with a thigh situation.
Bagging 4 objectives in his seven Champions League appearances this season, former Manchester United ace Scott McTominay will play a number one function in midweek. Making a mortgage change from Previous Trafford forward of the 2025/26 marketing campaign, Rasmus Hojlund ought to spearhead Napoli’s cost within the ultimate third.
Chelsea
As for the guests, whereas there might need been loads of raised eyebrows throughout the continent earlier within the month as Liam Rosenior was introduced as Enzo Maresca’s everlasting alternative, Chelsea seem like having fun with life underneath the previous Strasbourg boss. Final seen over the weekend clinching a rampant 3-1 victory away at native rivals Crystal Palace, the Blues have gained 4 of their first 5 appearances since Rosenior formally took cost. Heading over to Naples on Wednesday night time holding onto the ultimate spot within the top-eight chase, the one-time Hull Metropolis supervisor could possibly be smelling the prospect to assert a heavyweight European scalp on overseas soil. It must also be highlighted, getting Rosenior’s shock tenure underway with a 5-1 FA Cup victory away at Charlton on January tenth, Chelsea have secured consecutive wins away from Stamford Bridge for the primary time because the begin of November.
Chelsea Group Information
Lacking out away at Crystal Palace on Sunday, Chelsea are as soon as once more sweating over the health of England Worldwide Cole Palmer right here. Likewise, coping with what has grow to be a stacked harm checklist, the Blues will even be unable to name upon the likes of Romeo Lavia, Levi Colwill and former Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo.
As soon as once more discovering the web at Selhurst Park over the weekend and registering six direct objective contributions in his earlier eight appearances throughout all competitions (4 objectives, two assists), Argentinian ace Enzo Fernandez will begin in the midst of the park. French worldwide Wesley Fofana could possibly be handed a full recall on the again.
Napoli vs Chelsea Key Components to Contemplate
- Wednesday’s showdown in Naples would be the first assembly between Napoli and Chelsea since again in March 2012.
- Napoli have recorded only a single win from any of their final six matchups throughout all codecs.
- The Blues have gained 4 of their first 5 appearances since Rosenior took cost earlier within the month.
- Chelsea have recorded back-to-back wins away from Stamford Bridge for the primary time because the begin of November.
- Argentinian worldwide Enzo Fernandez has recorded six direct objective contributions in his earlier eight appearances throughout all competitions (4 objectives, two assists).
Conclusion
Seeking to formally punch their top-eight end on Wednesday night time, Chelsea could possibly be smelling the prospect to assert a heavyweight European scalp right here. Mustering consecutive wins away from Stamford Bridge for the primary time because the begin of September, the Blues needs to be excited by a visit to Naples in midweek. Watching Napoli stoop to a nightmare 3-0 drumming by the hands of Juventus on Sunday, the reigning Italian champions have recorded only a sole win from any of their earlier six appearances throughout all competitions.
Verdict: Draw
Finest Odds: 5/2
Bookmaker: Luckster