Italian champions Napoli are set to kick off their Champions League group-stage campaign with a challenging away match against Braga on Wednesday night. Both teams are looking to make a strong start in this highly anticipated fixture.
Preview
Napoli’s most recent league match ended in a 2-2 draw against Genoa, while Braga suffered a 3-1 defeat to Farense in the Primeira Liga.
Braga finished third in their domestic league last season, securing them a place in the third qualifying round for this year’s Champions League.
Having impressively won 7-1 on aggregate against TSC in the third qualifying round, Braga then went on to triumph over Panathinaikos in the playoff round.
Their performances in the competition so far have been commendable, and they are eager to continue their success.
Braga will face Union Berlin and Real Madrid in Group C alongside Napoli. They are determined to begin their group-stage campaign on a positive note despite coming off a disappointing loss to Farense in their domestic league.
In terms of previous Champions League experience, Braga last played in the group stage during the 2010-11 season, finishing third and subsequently moving to the Europa League where they reached the final but lost to Porto.
Meanwhile, Napoli, who secured their third Serie A title last season, are in the Champions League group stage for the second consecutive year.
They reached the quarter-finals last season, their best-ever performance in the European Cup. The team is aiming to build on that success and advance even further this season.
Napoli’s next match in the group stage will be against Real Madrid before facing Union Berlin.
Group C promises exciting matchups, with Real Madrid and Napoli considered favorites. However, both Braga and Union Berlin are capable of causing surprises.
Victor Osimhen has been a key goalscorer for Napoli this season, already netting three goals. Braga will need to keep a close eye on him if they want to contain Napoli’s attacking threat.
In terms of recent form, Braga have been in excellent shape with five consecutive wins in all competitions.
Napoli, on the other hand, have experienced some inconsistency, with a win, a loss, and two draws in their last four matches.
Team News:
Braga will be missing Sikou Niakate due to injury, but apart from that, they have a fully fit squad for their opening group-stage fixture.
Bruma and Alvaro Djalo, who have netted eight goals between them this season, are expected to feature in the starting lineup. Simon Banza and Ricardo Horta will also play important roles in the attack.
For Napoli, Pierluigi Gollini is ruled out with a hand injury, but the rest of the squad is available for selection.
Victor Osimhen, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Matteo Politano are likely to form the front three, while Piotr Zielinski and Stanislav Lobotka will control the midfield. Juan Jesus and Leo Ostigard will anchor the defense.
Predicted Lineups:
Braga possible starting lineup:
Matheus;
Gomez, Oliveira, Fonte, Borja;
Moutinho, Musrati;
Horta, Djalo, Bruma;
Banza
Napoli possible starting lineup:
Meret;
Di Lorenzo, Jesus, Ostigard, Olivera;
Zielinski, Lobotka, Anguissa;
Politano, Osimhen, Kvartskhelia
Prediction:
While Napoli enter the match as favorites, Braga is not to be underestimated. With recent impressive performances and home advantage, Braga could pose a challenge to the Italians.
However, we predict a close contest with the points ultimately being shared in a 1-1 draw.