Barcelona vs Napoli Preview, Prediction and Betting Tips

Ankit KunwarModified: 12 Mar 2024 10:11 AM

Barcelona vs Napoli Preview

Tournament – Champions League
Date – Tuesday, March 12
Kick-off Time – 08:00 pm GMT
Venue – Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys

The two European giants will battle out each other in the UEFA Champions League round-of-16 second-leg tie on Tuesday, March 12. In the first leg, we saw both sides play out a 1-1 draw at the Diego Armando Maradona.

Barcelona manager Xavi is sweating over the fitness of starters Pedri and Frenkie de Jong who will be unavailable for the return fixture. The Blaugrana are unbeaten in their last eight matches and have managed to keep clean sheets in each of the last three games. With an exit in the Copa del Rey, Xavi’s men will now be focusing on making it to the next round of the Champions League and avoiding this campaign without any silverware.

Napoli, on the other hand, won the title last season but have endured a disappointing title defense in Serie A this season. The Italian side are unbeaten in their last five games since Interim boss Francesco Calzona returned to Naples days before last month’s first-leg tie.

Also Read: PSV vs Borussia Dortmund Preview, Prediction and Betting Tips

Barcelona vs Napoli Team News

Barcelona (Credit: Getty Images)

Several first-team Barcelona players are currently sidelined with their respective problems. Both Pedri and Frenkie de Jong will be unavailable when they host Napoli on Tuesday night. Ferran Torres, Alejandro Balde and Marcos Alonso are still sidelined along with Raphinha who is currently struggling with a ankle problem.

As for Napoli, Jens Cajuste and Cyril Ngonge may miss out with thigh injuries while Amir Rrahmani will be out with his own thigh issue after limping off against Juventus in the last game. Midfielder Piotr Zielinski is not eligible as he was not registered for this phase of the competition.

Barcelona vs Napoli Predicted Lineups

Barcelona Predicted XI:

Ter Stegen; Kounde, Araujo, Martinez, Cancelo; Gundogan, Christensen, Lopez; Yamal, Lewandowski, Felix

Napoli Predicted XI:

Meret; Di Lorenzo, Ostigard, Jesus, Olivera; Anguissa, Lobotka, Traore; Politano, Osimhen, Kvaratskhelia

Barcelona vs Napoli Head-to-Head

Tuesday’s meeting between Barcelona and Napoli will be the sixth time these two teams square off in a competitive match.

Last five results:

Napoli 1-1 Barcelona – UEFA Europa League Round of 16 – February 21, 2024
Napoli 2-4 Barcelona – UEFA Europa League Round of 32 – February 24, 2022
Barcelona 1-1 Napoli – UEFA Europa League Round of 32 – February 17, 2022
Barcelona 3-1 Napoli – UEFA Champions League Round of 16 – August 8, 2020
Napoli 1-1 Barcelona – UEFA Champions League Round of 16 – February 25, 2020

Barcelona vs Napoli Prediction

Napoli (Credit: Getty Images)

The second leg of the Europa League R16 will be an interesting one as seven-time European Champions Barcelona play an unknown quantity of Napoli. Since Barcelona will be playing on the home turf in the return fixture between the sides, the home team should secure a spot in the quarter-finals.

Prediction: Barcelona 2-0 Napoli