Napoli vs Red Bull Salzburg Predictions

Napoli are in a fantastic position in their Champions League group; but their last 16 hopes could well rest on this clash. The table-toppers are going up against a Salzburg side making a significant push to qualify. However, don’t expect the pressure of this clash to make it a tight affair; the visitors have been wide open in this competition and that’s likely to continue.

Napoli suffered another setback in Serie A at the weekend, slipping out of the league’s top six after defeat to Roma. That made it three games without a win for Napoli, who are aiming to bounce back here. They have two wins from three in the Champions League so far, while they are favourites to add to that run with another victory this week.

Salzburg have been in fine form domestically yet again, with 32 points from a possible 36. However, the hosts are lacking in Europe. They have finally made it to this level after years of trying and they are certainly taking an enjoyable approach to Europe’s biggest competition. Their three matches have seen a combined 20 goals. They’ve scored twice in each of their three group games; but they’ve only won once.

Napoli have attacking ambitions of their own and are backed up by the form of Arkadiusz Milik, who has impressed in recent weeks. The Napoli forward has six goals to his name in his previous six matches, with a goal in each of his last three. He’s scored against Roma and Atalanta in recent weeks – two of Serie A’s top four. That form has made him a contender to score here and we’re backing the Polish forward to keep up his red hot streak.

Milik’s chances are boosted by a Salzburg side who concede far too many goals. They’ve let in nine in three games, while Napoli are in fine form at home. They’ve won four of their last five Champions League games here, with the other seeing them batter PSG, despite a 1-1 draw. We expect them to breeze past a Salzburg side who have shipped seven goals in two clashes with the group’s top two. However, Salzburg’s scoring record has us backing Napoli to win and BTTS.

We are also backing another thriller for the Austrian side in this group. We think Napoli will repeat their 3-2 win in this clash, with Salzburg’s two defeats in this group coming by a single goal.