Champions League [Preview]: Manchester City vs Napoli

Manchester City entertain Napoli in a highly-anticipated Champions League clash on Wednesday night. The Citizens have made a rollicking start to their Premier League campaign and they are currently leading the table with 22 points. Pep Guardiola’s side secured a thumping 7-2 win over Stoke City last weekend, and this took the club’s scoring tally to 29 goals in eight games – making them the first top-flight club since Everton (30) in the 1894/95 season – to achieve this feat. On the other hand, Napoli continued their early dominance in the Serie A with a victory at AS Roma. The Naples outfit are the only side with a 100 percent record in the division and they are presently on 24 points, five ahead of reigning champions Juventus.

Players to watch for:

Kevin de Bruyne – Manchester City: The Belgium international has always been regarded as a fine Premier League recruit, but his performances has upgraded a notch this term. De Bruyne was at the heart of City’s 7-2 demolition of Stoke City last weekend, where he provided two precise long-range assists for Gabriel Jesus and Leroy Sane respectively. The former Chelsea graduate also had time to track back off the ball, and Pep Guardiola regards him as one of the very best at the centre of the park.

Dries Mertens – Napoli: Mertens’ has evolved into an influential figure since Gonzalo Higuain’s departure more than a year ago. De Bruyne’s compatriot has contributed eight goals in all competitions for Napoli this term, but it has been his effectiveness up front which has generated potential transfer interest. Mertens has averaged more than two shots on target per game, and he will likely take advantage of any frailties in a City defence, who has looked solid to date.

Prediction:

Napoli are likely to deploy an attacking approach versus City, and it could come to haunt them.

Manchester City 3-1 Napoli

Image – Getty