An intriguing UEFA Champions League (UCL) clash at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona awaits on Wednesday night as current Serie A champions Napoli play host to FIFA Club World Cup (CWC) champions Chelsea. The hosts are in 25th place and just outside the play-off spots, while the visitors are just inside the top eight in eighth.
Both teams had contrasting results over the weekend, with Napoli losing 3-0 away to Juventus in Serie A, while Chelsea won 3-1 away at Crystal Palace in the Premier League. Nonetheless, with so much at stake, this game is a tough one to predict.
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Napoli vs Chelsea prediction: Draw not enough for either side?
Key stats
- Napoli are unbeaten at home in all competitions this season.
- Liam Rosenior has won four of his five games as Chelsea head coach.
- Both previous H2Hs saw both teams score.
Correct score prediction: Napoli 1-1 Chelsea
Both teams will really want more than a point, but a draw is what they could both get. The tense nature of the match could also see few goals scored too, with defences determined not to give much away.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Chelsea favourites with bookmakers
- HOME: 2/1 (3.00) – 33.3%
- DRAW: 5/2 (3.50) – 28.6%
- AWAY: 5/4 (2.25) – 44.4%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
As shown by the implied probabilities, Chelsea have been installed as the favourites with bookmakers to claim what would be a crucial three points away from home. A Napoli win can still be backed at just over 33%, while a draw is also rated at just under 29%.
Also, feel free to check out our dedicated Today’s betting tips page, as well as our Today’s Champions League predictions & betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: Plenty of goals
As mentioned before, both previous meetings between the two sides resulted in both teams scoring, incidentally also in the UCL. There were nine goals scored in total between the home and away legs in 2012.
Napoli preview: Injuries to key players
Napoli unfortunately have a number of injuries to some of their key players. Kevin De Bruyne and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa will be especially missed in the middle of the park.
Predicted lineup: Milinkovic-Savic (GK); Di Lorenzo, Buongiorno, Jesus; Gutierrez, Lobotka, McTominay, Spinazzola; Vergara, Elmas & Hojlund
Last five results:
- Juventus 3-0 Napoli
- Copenhagen 1-1 Napoli
- Napoli 1-0 Sassuolo
- Napoli 0-0 Parma
- Inter Milan 2-2 Napoli
Chelsea preview: Will Palmer play?
Cole Palmer was absent from the Chelsea squad over the weekend with a small injury, but Rosenior hinted that he could be used in the UCL. Other players who missed the win against Palace could also be given a chance from the start.
Predicted lineup: Sanchez (GK); James, Chalobah, Fofana, Cucurella; Caicedo, Enzo; Esetvao, Palmer, Neto & Pedro
Last five results:
- Crystal Palace 1-3 Chelsea
- Chelsea 1-0 Pafos
- Chelsea 2-0 Brentford
- Chelsea 2-3 Arsenal
- Charlton 1-5 Chelsea
Player to watch: Scott McTominay
Chelsea will know all about Scott McTominay from his time in the Premier League with Manchester United. However, he has gone up levels since joining Napoli, and three of their last six goals have come from the Scotsman, making him the ultimate danger to the Blues.