Napoli vs Real Sociedad Predictions

• Four of Napoli’s Group F matches have produced under 2.5 goals.
• Four of Real Sociedad’s group outings have also generated less than 2.5 goals.
• The sides have conceded just six goals between themselves in the group so far.
• Napoli edged out Real Sociedad 0-1 at Anoeta in October’s reverse clash.

Nervy Night in Naples

These sides have been involved in numerous low scoring affairs in this season’s Europa League so far and we can anticipate more of the same at Stadio San Paolo on Thursday, where both teams need a positive result to make certain of their place in the Last 32.

Third-placed AZ Alkmaar are within striking distance of this pair and are expected to beat Group F whipping boys HNK Rijeka on Matchday 6, so Napoli need a draw to progress while Real Sociedad know that they need to match Alkmaar’s result against the Croatians. With so much at stake, we’re likely to see a cagey contest in Naples, with neither side giving much away.

That’s been the case in general for these clubs in Group F so far, with just six goals conceded between them and four out of five matches for both sides producing under 2.5 goals including Napoli’s narrow 0-1 success at Anoeta in October’s reverse tie.

Sociedad are obviously the more vulnerable here as they sit second going into Thursday’s clash and that should play into the hands of the hosts, who can happily sit back and look to exploit the Basque outfit on the break.

Based on the group make-up and Napoli’s win in October, we’re giving the Partenopei the narrow vote here with a 1-0 correct score prediction, and we’re also tipping up under 2.5 goals with these two solid defences set to remain on top for most of the game.