Serie A leaders Napoli host RB Leipzig in the Europa League next week, with the home side currently ranked as one of the leading candidates to lift the trophy come the end of the season. However, with their German opponents having made a significant impression in Europe over recent years, it could well be one of the ties of the round in Naples.
Europa League – Napoli v RB Leipzig – Stadio San Paolo, Naples – Thursday 15th February – 20:05 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 16/5 at PaddyPower |
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Napoli
RB LeipzigMatch Preview
Two Champions League drop-outs meet at the Stadio San Paolo next week, with Italian side Napoli hosting RB Leipzig in the first leg of their Europa League Round of 32 clash. As two of the favourites for the Europa League title, many within the game are expecting fireworks in Naples, with the home side having been one of the most enjoyable teams to watch so far this season. However, for those looking to place a bet on this match, be sure to check out our top tip below. Let’s first take a closer look at the two teams, starting with the home side.
Napoli Team News & Form
Napoli were one of the Champions League’s biggest disappointment’s this season, losing four of their six group fixtures, meaning that Maurizio Sarri’s team find themselves in the Europa League for the second half of the campaign. The hosts currently sit a point clear of rivals Juventus at the top of the Serie A standings, with the attacking trio of Jose Callejon, Dries Mertens and Lorenzo Insigne having impressed hugely. Elsewhere, the midfield trio of Jorginho, Marek Hamsik and Allan are some of the best around, justifying Napoli’s status as one of the favourites for the Europa League trophy this year.
RB Leipzig Team News & Form
Having finished second in the German Bundesliga last season, RB Leipzig have found life a little trickier this time around, however they remain on course to qualify for the Champions League once again. Ralph Hasenhüttl’s side were knocked out of the competition despite winning two of their Group G outings earlier in the season, with the European newcomers now looking to make it to the latter stages of the Europa League. The likes of Timo Werner and Emil Forsberg are two of their biggest attacking threats, while Naby Keita will look to impress in midfield ahead of his summer move to Liverool.
Head to Head
Next week’s meeting in Italy will be the first ever competitive tie between the two clubs, meaning that no conclusions can be made when it comes to their head-to-head record.
Betting Odds and Predictions
Given their performances so far this season and status as the home team next week, it comes as little surprise that it is Napoli who are the favourites for victory with the majority of bookmakers. The hosts can be backed at best odds of 7/10 with bookmaker Skybet, while Unibet have their German opponents as the underdogs at 4.
Top Betting Tip
However, our top betting tip for the match is to bet on there being over 2.5 goals during the 90 minutes, which can be backed at odds of 8/13 with William Hill.