Manchester City versus Napoli predictions and odds ahead of Champions League encounter

The Champions League returns, with Manchester City poised to welcome back Kevin De Bruyne as his Napoli team begin their European season at the Etihad.

Manchester City is coming off a 3-0 Premier League triumph against rivals Manchester United. Prior to the international break, they had suffered back-to-back losses to Tottenham and Brighton. The result came on an emotional day at the Etihad, as the club paid tribute to late Manchester-born boxing legend Ricky Hatton, a loyal City fan. Local hero Phil Foden opened the scoring in the first half, while Erling Haaland scored again after the break to give Pep Guardiola’s team three points and local bragging rights.

City will welcome back Kevin De Bruyne from his new club Napoli for their inaugural League Phase match in the 2025-26 Champions League on Thursday night. This is the first meeting between the two sides in Europe’s top competition since the 2017-18 group stage, when City won both matches 6-3, including a 2-1 victory at home.

Guardiola will be hopeful that the derby win marks a turning point following a slow start to the season. While City is preparing for a vital trip to title challengers Arsenal, their immediate goal is to start their 15th Champions League season on a high note. The 2023 champions will be determined to avoid a repeat of last year’s disastrous League Phase, when they finished 22nd out of 36 clubs (W3 D2 L3) and were eliminated by Real Madrid in the playoffs. Despite losing four of their last five Champions League matches (W1), City has an impressive record at the Etihad, going unbeaten in their last 21 group-stage/League Phase games (W18 D3) and winning five of their last six opening fixtures (D1)—a promising sign ahead of Thursday’s match against Napoli.

Napoli, on the other hand, are in top form after winning their second Serie A title in three seasons—and first under Antonio Conte—in 2024-25. They have began their title defence perfectly, winning their first three league games against Cagliari, Sassuolo, and Fiorentina. New signing. Rasmus Hojlund, who joined from Manchester United, scored 14 minutes into his debut in last weekend’s 3-1 victory over Fiorentina, following an early penalty from fellow newcomer De Bruyne—his second goal since leaving City.

Despite Napoli’s strong start, Conte has cautioned his team not to become complacent, citing a late lack in attention that allowed Fiorentina to score in the closing 10 minutes. Conte has previously managed Juventus, Chelsea, Inter Milan, and Tottenham in the Champions League. He will now manage Napoli. The Italians are preparing for their eighth involvement in the competition, after missing out on the 2024-25 season for the first time since 2009-10.

Betting Tips: Manchester City versus Napoli Man City to win, both teams to score (5/2) Over 2.5 goals – 4/5 Kevin De Bruyne to score or assist – 11/5.

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