Manchester City prepares to face Napoli after a mixed run of form. Man City aims to capitalize on their recent derby win. However, Napoli enters the match with a three-game winning streak, posing a significant challenge. The upcoming game promises tactical intrigue as both sides look to secure a crucial victory.
When & where? / Kick-off details
The Champions League clash between Manchester City and Napoli takes place at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday, September 18, with kickoff set for 8pm BST.
Manchester City injury concerns ahead of Napoli clash
Manchester City faces selection issues with several players sidelined. Mateo Kovacic, Omar Marmoush, Rayan Aït-Nouri, and Rayan Cherki are all unavailable due to injuries. This impacts team selection and tactical flexibility for the home side. The current manager will need to find solutions to overcome these absences.
The expected formation is 4-1-4-1, with Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal. Abdukodir Khusanov and Rico Lewis are likely to feature as full-backs. Rúben Dias will partner Joško Gvardiol in central defence. Rodri is set to anchor the midfield. Nico González and Phil Foden should provide creativity in midfield. Savinho and Oscar Bobb are expected to start on the wings, supporting Erling Haaland upfront.
Napoli strategy to exploit Man City
Napoli also has injury concerns, with Romelu Lukaku, Nikita Contini, and Amir Rrahmani ruled out. The Italian side will likely mirror Manchester City’s 4-1-4-1 formation. Vanja Milinković-Savić is expected to start in goal. Giovanni Di Lorenzo and Leonardo Spinazzola should operate as full-backs. Sam Beukema and Alessandro Buongiorno are likely to form the central defensive partnership.
Stanislav Lobotka is expected to shield the defence. Frank Anguissa and Kevin De Bruyne could provide dynamism and creativity in midfield. Matteo Politano and Scott McTominay are likely to feature on the flanks. Rasmus Højlund is expected to lead the attack for Napoli.
Kevin De Bruyne: Napoli key threat vs former club
The Belgian international midfielder is a player to watch. His creativity and ability to unlock defenses pose a significant threat. Manchester City must contain him to control the game. Napoli hopes he can exploit any vulnerabilities in the Manchester City defense.
The match between Man City and Napoli promises to be a tightly contested affair. Both teams possess considerable quality, setting the stage for a potentially even encounter. A draw seems a likely outcome, with both teams finding the net. The tactical battle and individual brilliance will determine the final result.
Predicted lineups
Manchester City predicted lineup vs Napoli: Donnarumma; Lewis, Dias, Gvardiol, Ake; Rodri, Gonzalez; Savinho, Foden, Doku; Haaland.
Napoli predicted lineup vs Man City: Milinkovic-Savic; Di Lorenzo, Beukema, Buongiorno, Spinazzola; Lobotka; Politano, Anguissa, De Bruyne, McTominay; Hojlund.
Prediction
Napoli have found the net in 15 of their last 16 Champions League group stage/League Phase fixtures and with De Bruyne pulling the strings, they will back themselves to cause City problems. However, Guardiola’s side have an imperious record at the Etihad in Europe and with Haaland in lethal form, they should have enough to come out on top.
Prediction: Manchester City 2-1 Napoli
