Manchester City vs Napoli Preview, prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | UEFA Champions League 2025-26

The Cityzens came out on top to defeat Gli Azzurri in their previous meeting against each other.

Manchester City are all set to host SSC Napoli in their opening UEFA Champions League game of the 2025-26 season. The Etihad Stadium is ready to witness the interesting clash between these clubs.

Man City are coming in after securing a win in the Manchester derby. It was an overall good performance by the Pep Guardiola-led side, and they will now look to continue their winning run here. The Cityzens will be at home for this UCL outing, and it is going to be an advantage for them.

The work continues.🔜 @ChampionsLeague pic.twitter.com/ToDztm3doQ

— Manchester City (@ManCity) September 15, 2025

The Serie A side have started the new season on a positive note. The Antonio Conte-led side will be keen on securing a win, but it is not going to be an easy outing for them. SSC Napoli do have quality players in their squad, and with their current form, they are going to put up a strong fight.

Kick-off:

• Location: Manchester, England
• Stadium: Etihad Stadium
• Date: Friday, September 19
• Kick-off Time: 12:30 a.m. IST (Thursday, Sept 18; 07:00 p.m. GMT/ 03:00 p.m. ET/ 12:00 p.m. PT)
• Referee: Felix Zwayer
• VAR: In use

Form:

Man City: W-L-L-W

Napoli: W-W-W

Players to Watch

Erling Haaland (Manchester City)

Erling Haaland is coming in after scoring a brace in the Manchester derby, which helped his side secure an easy win. The Norwegian forward looks in good touch and is going to be a menace to the opponent’s defence. Haaland is going to be one of the important men in the final third for the hosts.

150 City appearances. 129 goals. 21 assists. One @ErlingHaaland. pic.twitter.com/mpo8WfiMTc

— Manchester City (@ManCity) September 15, 2025

Kevin De Bruyne (Napoli)

The Belgian midfielder is going to play an important role for SSC Napoli here. Kevin De Bruyne is an experienced star who was a part of Manchester City till last season. He can regulate the ball well in the midfield and can surely score goals.

With the ball at his feet, he is going to create issues for the opponents.

Match Facts

• Manchester City are on a two-match winning streak against Gli Azzurri.
• Napoli are on a three-match winning run.
• The Cityzens have won two of their last four matches.

Manchester City vs Napoli: Betting Tips and Odds

• Manchester City to win @7/10 AK Bets
• Erling Haaland to score @33/10 Unibet
• Goals under 3.5 @5/11 Unibet

Injury and Team News

Rayan Cherki, Omar Marmoush, Mateo Kovacic and Rayan Ait Nouri are injured. They will be out of action for Manchester City. John Stones might also sit out due to a lack of fitness.

Napoli will be without the services of Romelu Lukaku, Amir Rrahmani and Nikita Contini. They are injured.

Head-to-Head

Total matches: 4

Man City won: 2

Napoli won: 1

Draws: 1

Predicted Lineups

Manchester City predicted lineup (4-1-4-1)

Donnarumma (GK); Khusanov, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly; Rodri; Silva, Reijnders, Foden, Doku; Haaland

Napoli predicted lineup (4-1-4-1)

Milinkovic-Savic (GK); Di Lorenzo, Beukema, Buongiorno, Spinazzola; Lobotka; Politano, Anguissa, De Bruyne, McTominay; Højlund

Match Prediction

These top European clubs are going to come up with an intense fixture. Manchester City are likely to secure a win against Napoli in their upcoming UEFA Champions League clash.

Prediction: Manchester City 2-1 Napoli

Telecast Details

India: SonyLIV, Sony Sports Network

UK: TNT Sports, BBC

US: Paramount+, TUDN

Nigeria: DAZN

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