Benfica vs Napoli
UEFA Champions League – Group B
Date: Tuesday, 6th December 2016.
Kick-off at 19:45 UK.
Venue: Estadio da Luz, Lisbon.
For the first time this season Benfica were beaten in a domestic game which has seen rivals Sporting Lisbon and Porto close the gap in the Portuguese top flight. They will have to bounce back quickly as they chase a spot in the Second Round of the Champions League although the picture is fairly clear for Benfica with the scenarios easily set out.
This is the tightest of the Champions League Groups heading into Match Day 6 as three teams can still finish in the top two places and head into the Second Round. Going into the final round of games it is Benfica who lead the way, but they can only guarantee their place in the Second Round by winning. Any other result will see them hoping Besiktas don't win in Dynamo Kiev if Benfica are to make it through to the Second Round.
Benfica had been unbeaten in 10 games in all competitions since losing 4-2 at Napoli earlier in the Champions League Group, but that run came to an end with a 2-1 loss at Maritimo last weekend. However the setbacks have come away from home and Benfica have won 6 in a row at home in all competitions since their 1-1 draw with Besiktas on Match Day 1 of the Champions League.
There are a few injuries in the Benfica squad but nothing new from the loss at Maritimo a few days ago.
Napoli
After winning their first two games in the Champions League Group, I am not sure Napoli would have been expecting to go into Match Day 6 and still have work to do to make it through to the Second Round. Benfica have a little more room for error knowing they have the head to head over 3rd placed Besiktas, but Napoli are not so fortunate and could be vulnerable if they are not able to win this game in Lisbon.
Inconsistent results have hurt Napoli both in Europe and domestically as they head into Match Day 6 in 2nd place. A win or a draw would put Napoli through to the Second Round, but a defeat coupled with Besiktas avoiding defeat in Dynamo Kiev would actually put Napoli out on the head to head with the Turkish side. They have won 4 of their last 6 away European games going back to last season, but Napoli haven't played too many of the level of Benfica in that time.
Napoli are unbeaten in 6 games in all competitions, but they had drawn 4 of 5 before the 3-0 win over Inter Milan last time out. I have mentioned that Napoli have had some inconsistent results in recent weeks and that is highlighted best by their 2-2-2 record in their last 6 away games in all competitions.
There doesn't seem to be more injuries in the Napoli squad heading into this big game.
Benfica vs Napoli: Prediction
This game will be filled with entertainment as the group’s qualification partly depends on this result.We expect Napoli to grab at least a draw in this game, considering their recent good form.
Benfica vs Napoli: Betting Tips
(Double chance) Napoli to win or draw at 1.60Both teams to score at 1.75.
