Champions League: Napoli on the Verge to Make First Quarter-Finals 

Napoli vs Eintracht Frankfurt

Napoli can make it to the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time ever, barring a huge comeback by Eintracht Frankfurt this Wednesday at the Diego Maradona Stadium.

The Serie A frontrunners won the first leg with a scoreline of 2-0, and the pre-game SBOTOP betting odds expect them to go through, especially since they’re in great form.

Eintracht Frankfurt are hoping to draw inspiration from their Cinderella run in the Europa League last season, but their recent form suggests that they won’t make a comeback, especially since one of their best players is unavailable.

However, anything can happen in the game of football, so the hosts cannot let their guard down even if they’ll be playing in front of their home fans.

Talking Points

Injury questions for Napoli

Luciano Spalletti is sweating on the fitness of defencive stalwarts Kim Min-Jae and Alex Meret, as both limped off the pitch in their 2-0 victory last week against Atalanta.

Pierluigi Gollini took Meret’s spot as the starting goalkeeper when Meret picked up an injury during the warm-up, while Kim was subbed off in the 76^th minute and taped up with ice packs on the bench.

Meret and Kim are two of the main reasons why Napoli’s backline has been one of the best in Europe, and they both performed well in the first leg against Eintracht Frankfurt.

According to the latest Champions League 2023 news, Meret and Kim showed positive signs ahead of Wednesday’s clash because they trained with the team, although Spalletti might consider managing their load.

But regardless of whether Kim or Meret are available, Napoli are going to be led once again by the dynamic front duo of Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

Osimhen is linked to several big teams in Europe because of his outstanding play this season. The Capocannoniere frontrunner has 21 goals and four assists in all competitions.

Kvaratskhelia, meanwhile, has provided four assists in the Champions League this season, which is the most ever by a Napoli player in a single campaign. The Georgian winger has also created the most scoring chances after a ball carry of any Champions League player this term (16).

Eintracht Frankfurt are undermanned up front

In stark contrast, Eintracht Frankfurt are going to be thin up front, as Randal Kolo Muani will serve his suspension on Wednesday.

The Frenchman did well in the first leg, up until the 58^th minute, when he lunged on Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa and was given a straight red.

It’s a major loss for Die Adler since he’s their best scorer this season, notching 13 goals and 10 assists across all competitions.

With Eric Ebimbe and Jesper Lindstrom also absent on Wednesday, Daichi Kamada, Mario Gotze, and Rafael Santos Borre will need to produce goals for Eintracht Frankfurt.

Kamada has 10 goals and four assists this season, and he is the club’s all-time top scorer in UEFA tournaments. However, Borre and Gotze only have four goals and five assists between them.

History

Napoli have won their last two games against German opposition in all European competitions, which is as many as they had in their previous 12 such matches (D3, L7). The first leg win was their first ever victory against Eintracht Frankfurt after losing their previous two meetings.

I Partenopei have scored 22 goals in the Champions League this year. The last time a Serie A club netted more in a single campaign was in 2002-03, with Juventus tallying 30 and Inter Milan recording 26.

Eintracht Frankfurt defeated Napoli the last time they were on the road with a scoreline of 1-0 back in the 1994-95 UEFA Cup. Die Adler came out on top with a 2-0 aggregate tally.

Die Adler have also scored in all three of their Champions League away games thus far, generating five goals (W2, L1).

Betting Tip

The Champions League 2023 odds predict that Napoli will progress to the elite eight because of their formidable record at home. I Partenopei are installed at 1.46 to win, while Die Adler are the underdogs at 5.60.

But as far as this match is concerned, we’re going for a draw at 4.20 since Napoli don’t need to reach top gear to book their place in the quarter-finals. The hosts should be alright as long as Eintracht Frankfurt don’t outscore them by three goals. Speaking of goals, perhaps we might see a few more from this fixture. Betting for Total Goal 2-3 at 1.93 or even Correct Score 1-1 at 7.80 is not a bad idea.

 

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