Wednesday 1 November, 19:45
Live on BT Sport 3
Can Napoli bring domestic form to Europe?
Defeat at the Etihad on Matchday Three aside, Napoli enter this game against Manchester City in excellent form. They currently sit atop Serie A with 10 wins and a single draw so far and look well placed to end Juventus' six-year stranglehold on the Italian domestic league.
Furthermore, they are in formidable form at the San Paolo, where they are unbeaten since losing to eventual winners Real Madrid in last season's Champions League Round of 16 in early March. The latest in that run came on Sunday where they beat lowly Sassuolo 3-1 thanks to goals from Allan, Jose Callejon and Dries Mertens.
The latter two, alongside Lorenzo Insigne, comprise one of the most exciting attacking lines in European football and one which has helped Napoli score an impressive 32 goals in 11 league games this season.
No signs of City's march to silverware stopping
At least it would look impressive were it not for the fact that visitors Manchester City have scored 35 goals in just 10 games during their electrifying start to the Premier League campaign. Not only that but Pep Guardiola's men come into this game with 12 wins in 13 and are unbeaten over 90 minutes in their past 24 games - a club record.
The picture looks equally rosy in Europe where City have won the opening three games of a Champions League campaign for the first time in their history and will now fancy their chances of pushing on into the knockout rounds.
Saturday's win over West Brom was perhaps more comfortable than the 3-2 scoreline suggests with Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling continuing their excellent form from the wings. The German has been involved in 11 goals in his past seven league games, while Sterling scored his ninth goal of the campaign. Throw Sergio Aguero, Gabriel Jesus and co into the mix and that 'most exciting attacking line in European football' debate has another very strong contender. Wednesday night promises to be special.
Guardiola's men look good for the win
Manchester City enter this game as slight favourites at odds of around 2.54 and given their recent form and the 2-1 result in the reverse fixture that looks about right. City could and really should have been 4-0 up after half an hour as they tore Napoli's defence apart before gifting the Italians a way back into the game.
While Napoli have been in excellent domestic form, their recent record in Europe does not look so good - with four defeats in their last five Champions League games. With that recent run and the fact that Maurizio Sarri has had one less day to prepare his side for this match, Napoli start as second favourites at odds of 2.80 and the draw is 3.95.
But with City having won all six of their games away from home so far this season and looking like champions elect in England, it is hard to bet against them.
Goals heavily favoured
With both teams in such attacking form this season, it is hardly surprising to see Over 2.5 Goals as short as 1.45. Over 3.5 Goals may look a more interesting prospect at 2.20 although it is worth bearing in mind that neither side has a particular habit of shipping goals this season - Napoli have conceded eight in 11 league games while City have let in six in 10. Under 3.5 Goals is a relatively healthy 1.73.
Belgian danger man
Dries Mertens has got on the scoresheet in four of his last five home appearances for Napoli - recording five goals across those matches. He is 4/1 to open the scoring on the Sportsbook.
Recommended bets
Back Manchester City to win @ 2.54
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