Tuesday 19/08/2014, 20:45, Champions League Qualifiers, Napoli vs Bilbao
Napoli vs Bilbao Preview
Over the last couple of years, Napoli consolidated its roster and the season they are a strong candidate for both the Italian domestic championship and the Champions League. One of the most offensive teams playing in a European competition, they are expected to keep Bilbao under pressure in the opening match. They need to travel to Spain on the back of a consistent lead, knowing that the Basques are incredibly difficult to beat when they have the support of their fans.
Napoli vs Bilbao Odds
At Totepool
Napoli 1.80, Draw 3.60, Bilbao 4.65
Napoli vs Bilbao Tips
Napoli didn't play too many friendly games since the regular season came to an end, but they made sure that those few matches were against top opponents. After cruising to an easy victory over PAOK Saloniki, they took on Barcelona and once again emerged victorious, before bowing to PSG one week ago. They had better ball possession and scored the first goal, but the French champions proved to be more than a match for them and scored twice in the second half.
The hosts will stick to the same aggressive strategy against Bilbao with Higuain and Mertens upfront, while Zapata is more likely to be introduced in the second half. Vargas didn't start in any of the friendly games, but the Chilean striker was introduced in the second half and this could happen again.
By comparison, Bilbao is going through a rough stretch, being unable to win both at home and on the road and they tend to allow a lot of goals. The first five friendly games were played against subpar opponents, but the moment they decided to take on better teams, losses started to pile up.
An interesting fact is that all 10 friendly games played since the Spanish championship ended were on the road, and Bilbao is winless in the last five. They allowed a total of eight goals and only won away at Borussia M'gladbach, while scoring a single goal in the other three fixtures.
Key Facts
- Bilbao is on the downswing and will try to defend the scoreless draw, hoping to turn the ship around once action shifts to Spain.
- Higuain and Mertens scored in the friendly games and they will feature in the starting formation, a 4-4-2 version, with midfielders playing close to the strikers.
Napoli vs Bilbao Prediction
Odds of 1.80 for Napoli to win the first leg of the Champions League Qualifiers are not spectacular, but in line with expectations. The hosts are not only the better team but also one in superior form, which explains why bookmakers are not hesitant in slightly underpricing them. The value is just high enough for punters to back the hosts of night, with both ones having the option of pushing the envelope and betting on Napoli to win by at least two goals.
Bet: Napoli @ 1.80 with Totepool
