Napoli vs Genk Predictions

• Napoli have conceded less goals than each of the other three teams in Group E.
• Genk have conceded an average of 3.2 goals in the Champions League this term.
• The only team Genk have kept a clean sheet against in Group E is Napoli. They drew 0-0 in the reverse fixture.

Neapolitans tough nut to crack

Napoli’s place in the last-16 isn’t guaranteed, but Carlo Ancelotti’s men are likely to be feeling confident ahead of this final match, a match that is against the weakest team in the group.

Without being overly flamboyant, the Italian outfit have ticked along nicely in Group E. They’ve not conceded many goals, have kept themselves in games and have ultimately been a very tough nut to crack. They’ve conceded just four goals, only one of which has come at this venue while their recent draw at Anfield shows just how tough they are to get the better of.

When this pair met in Belgium, they drew 0-0. Ancelotti’s men may have been disappointed to draw, but the fact that they gave very little away and were clearly the better side bodes well ahead of Tuesday’s clash.

Defensive weakness a problem for visitors

As was always going to be the case, Genk have struggled in Group E. They’ve struggled to impose themselves, scoring just five in five, which is the lowest total in the group, while they’ve also struggled immensely at the back.

Defending against the likes of Liverpool, Napoli and Salzburg, all of whom have no shortage of attacking talent, was never going to be easy, though Hannes Wolf would’ve probably hoped that his side could put up more than a fight. As 16 goals conceded suggests, the Belgians have been unable to withstand attacking pressure.

Hosts to keep it tight

In the betting, ‘Napoli Win to Nil’ appeals. Defensively, Napoli have been strong in Group E, especially at this venue, where they shut out Liverpool’s fierce attack. In addition, they also shut Genk out, giving away just one on target in the process, in the reverse fixture. We’ve seen that they’ve got the attacking quality to do the business against Genk’s dodgy back-line, but given that they must win, they’re unlikely to do anything stupid defensively.

‘Correct Score’ punters can try a 2-0 win for the hosts. As tough as Napoli are to get at, they’ve not set the world alight offensively in this group, so plumping for an overly high-scoring win doesn’t really appeal. Napoli will be keen to keep things tight, while they average 1.4 goals for per game, so a solid, but ultimately low-scoring win for the hosts appears to be the way to go.