Barcelona vs Napoli, Prediction, Odds and Betting Tips 12/03/2024
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Barcelona vs Napoli, Prediction, Odds and Betting Tips 12/03/2024

Kai Edvard Iliev Kai Edvard Iliev

Odds via Tonybet

Barcelona vs NapoliMarch 12, 2024, 3:00 PM ET
Barcelona odds-109
Napoli odds+290
Draw+280
Over\Under2.5 -132/+110

Barcelona vs Napoli. Shape of the Teams

The previous encounter between these two teams was not the most appetizing – ending in a rather lacklustre 1-1 draw on Italian soil. 

The match reminded us that the once formidable structures of both title defendants had fallen apart – and more importantly, the clash was not about who would be the best but who would be the second-worst. 

Barcelona managed to avoid a catastrophe and now enters this match with a slight advantage. However, the game against Napoli will be played at Montjuic. Playing at this venue has not only resulted in lower attendance but has also affected Barcelona’s financials. Nevertheless, the Catalans are the clear favourites for this match.

The Catalans have kept a clean sheet in their last three games, a rare sight this season. 

This streak includes a clear 4-0 victory against Getafe, a stalemate against Valverde’s Athletic Club (0-0) and a narrow 1-0 win against Mallorca. 

All these results were achieved under the guidance of Oscar Hernández – Xavi’s brother – after Xavi was suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards. 

While the accumulation of points is welcomed, Raphinha’s potential absence adds him to the long injury list that has been plaguing Barcelona. Although Raphinha’s injury does not look too bad, he remains doubtful for the encounter against Napoli on Tuesday night.

Read more: Barcelona vs Girona Prediction, Odds and Betting Tips 10/12/2023

Napoli’s recent form has been notably impressive. The Southern Italians managed a 1-1 draw against Torino. This may seem like a modest result, but ahead of this game, Napoli secured a 2-1 win against Allegri’s Juventus. Even more striking was their 6-1 thrashing of Sassuolo, which showed Napoli’s potential to unleash havoc on the pitch.

This series of results is uncharacteristically strong for Napoli this season – one might say it comes just in time. The Catalans have definitely been warned.

Barcelona vs Napoli Match Info

Barcelona vs Napoli, Odds

The odds are rather clear: Barcelona is expected to win, and this goes beyond the home advantage. Under Oscar Hernández’s guidance, Barcelona’s performance against Mallorca was disciplined, hinting at their preparedness for the challenge ahead. 

Despite the possible absence of Raphinha, Barcelona has all the tools to succeed against Napoli.

Lamine Yamal once again reminded the world over the weekend why he plays so frequently despite his young age. In the game against Mallorca, he found the back of the net by banging the ball in the top corner of the goal yet again. This kind of goal is his trademark – and something Napoli’s backline should be wary of if they do not want to suffer the same fate.

Read more: Juventus vs Napoli Prediction, Odds and Betting Tips 08/12/2023

With so many injuries on Barcelona’s side, in theory, these times would beg for the inclusion of Atlético-bound João Félix. However, in their most recent game, he once more displayed why he was no priority for most clubs: his inconsistent decision-making often cancels out the opportunities given to him. 

Barcelona – supposedly heaven for the Portuguese on the stylistic fit – has seen his influence fade. Even with Ferrán Torres still injured, other players are picked over him in the starting eleven, which raises serious questions about the player’s level.

Read more: Real Madrid vs Napoli Prediction, Odds and Betting Tips

Gündogan is the last-standing starting player in Barcelona’s midfield, plagued by a spate of injuries. Against Napoli, he is expected to orchestrate Barcelona’s play and lead the pack in Montjuic.

Napoli, on the other hand, has the advantage of entering the game with a relatively healthy squad – only Cajuste is missing. This means that Osimhen will once again be in the talks. This could potentially disrupt Pau Cubarsi’s streak of games, with Martínez and Aráujo tipped to start instead to prevent Osimhen from scoring against Barcelona.

Barcelona vs Napoli Betting Tip

This is far from Barcelona’s first encounter with Napoli in European competitions, and in most cases, whatever happens, the Catalans end up taking it home. 

Despite playing at Montjuice, I still believe the essence of home advantage still benefits Barcelona.

Furthermore, despite a good run and the double injury of Barcelona’s most important midfielders, Pedri and Frenkie de Jong, little leads to believe that Napoli is functional enough to survive the power of Gündogan, who has suddenly become a pivotal figure in Barcelona’s camp. 

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Moreover, Robert Lewandowski’s return to form is a timely boost for Barcelona, adding a lethal edge to their attack. João Cancelo’s potential role as a conduit between the midfield and attack, offering Gündogan more freedom to orchestrate play, could further tip the scales in Barcelona’s favour. I expect this to have a catapulting effect and a major impact on the game’s outcome.

Read more: Napoli vs Barcelona, Prediction, Odds and Betting Tips 21/02/2024

Barcelona’s main challenge lies in neutralizing Osimhen and Kvaratskhelia, whose ability to disrupt defences will be Barcelona’s primary defensive concern. 

Disclaimer: Odds are accurate at the time of posting and subject to change. Please verify the latest odds on our platform before betting.

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