Match Previews

Napoli vs Barcelona match preview: Possible lineups, team news, match facts, prediction

Published

5 years ago

24/02/2022

Date and Time: 24th February, 9:00 PM CET
Venue: Diego Armando Maradona Stadium
Competition: UEFA Europa League
Referee: Sergei Karasev

Overview

The pressure to win could not be higher on Xavi’s team heading into the clash in Naples. Having failed to secure a home lead against Napoli, Barcelona’s trip to Italy is a must-win encounter. The redundancy of the away goal policy means that a goalless draw will not be sufficient to put the Serie A side through, unlike in previous years.

Xavi’s team played a sensational game against Napoli at Camp Nou but lacked the finishing touch. The Catalans completely outplayed the visitors, with the wingers and midfield running riot on the night.

They repeated the pattern against Valencia on the weekend, winning 1-4. If the team can carry forward a finishing accuracy akin to the game at Mestalla, there are little doubts as to who will emerge victoriously. Yet, Barcelona’s tendency to slip up when momentum is on their side is a real concern.

What to expect from Napoli?

After their draw at Camp Nou, Luciano Spalletti’s men played out another stalemate against Cagliari in Serie A. Moreover, it would not be wrong to say that they were lucky to get away with a draw, given that their opposition had the better chances and more dominating play on the night.

The Italians played a defence-oriented game in Catalonia. It seemed like the team had come to secure a draw, for Napoli only threatened on the counter. Now, at the Diego Armando Maradona stadium, they will try to make the most of their advantage.

One could expect a similar lineup to that which faced Barcelona last week.

Alex Meret made four saves at Camp Nou, three of which came from inside the box. It would be unjust to the Italian not to receive a second game after such a positive display.

The goalkeeper will be guarded by the first line of defence comprising of two fullbacks and two centre-backs. Mario Rui will likely start at the left-back position over Juan Jesus and face the daunting task of defending Ousmane Dembele.

It’s a me, Mario (Rui)! (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

The centre-back pairing is not expected to change as Kalidou Koulibaly and Aamir Rrahmani retain their places in the lineup.

Giovanni di Lorenzo went off injured in Napoli’s game at the weekend but is available for the Europa League clash, according to reports.

Fabian Ruiz enjoyed a great outing during his return to Spain and will look to make a difference on his second chance against Barcelona. The double-pivot will likely be completed by Andre Anguissa.

Lorenzo Insigne picked up an injury in training and will probably not start tonight. Matteo Politano is expected to be fit, though, and will start on the right-wing. Eljif Elmas essentially created the goal vs Barcelona and will, in all likelihood, take over duties on the left flank.

Dries Mertens started vs Cagliari on the weekend, but his attacking midfield role will be taken over by Piotr Zielinski vs Barça. Victor Osimhen has been given ample rest over the last few days and will slot into the centre-forward position.

Probable Napoli XI: Meret; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Koulibaly, Jesus; Anguissa, Ruiz; Politano, Zielinski, Elmas; Osimhen

What to expect from Barcelona?

While Xavi’s team selection seems easy at this point of the season, that is far from the reality. With the race for the top four in La Liga an equally important parameter for the team, the manager must find the perfect balance between rotation and team strength.

On the night, Marc-Andre ter Stegen will almost undoubtedly start in goal. The German spoke to the media prior to the clash against Napoli and made it clear that he always gives his 100% on the field. He will look to shut his critics with a statement performance.

Ronald Araujo was not expected to start against Valencia but did so only because Xavi personally requested him to play. With him back from injury, Barcelona’s defensive line seems reassuring. Gerard Pique returns to the squad after serving his suspension and will likely start alongside the Uruguayan.

Leader of the defence. (Photo via Getty)

Sergino Dest was praised by Xavi after his performance against Valencia. The right-back was a thorn in the feet of the opposition defence, and his display made Xavi agree that he has improved. After such a game, one would expect the American to be given another start.

Pedri started on the bench at Mestalla to get some deserved rest ahead of a crucial clash. The little magician will be back in the starting lineup at Naples and look to weave his spells. Frenkie de Jong and Sergio Busquets could complete the midfield trio.

In attack, Ferran Torres is expected to be given a rest. The winger has not had much time off since his arrival in Barcelona. Moreover, he is seen as a valuable option as a substitute.

In his absence, Ousmane Dembele and Adama Traore are expected to start as the wingers on the night on the left and right, respectively. The hattrick hero Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will probably be given his third successive start.

Probable Barcelona XI: Ter Stegen; Dest, Araujo, Pique, Alba; Pedri, Busquets, de Jong; Adama, Aubameyang, Dembele

Marquee Player

Kalidou Koulibaly

Can Koulibaly be Napoli’s saviour once again? (Photo via Getty)

Undoubtedly the best player on the pitch in the first leg, Koulibaly has a chance to cement his legacy in European football tonight. The centre-back has been in scintillating form all season and was one of the best players as Senegal lifted the AFCON for the first time in their history.

Match facts

Napoli previous games: DDDWW

Barcelona previous games: WDDWW

Head-to-head record

Key Stats

Napoli are on a six-game unbeaten streak.
Barcelona are on a five-game unbeaten streak.
Barcelona have not kept a clean sheet for four games in a row.
Barcelona have not lost against Napoli in five games, including friendlies.
Barcelona have only won one of their last 10 away games in European knockouts.

Prediction

Barcelona’s form in away games has been a major talking point in Europe. However, the Catalans’ young core has given them an edge this season. The game at Mestalla is testimony to the fact that Barcelona are no longer the chokers they have been labelled. As they head into Naples in a must-win situation, one could back the team to pull off the much-needed result.

Barca Universal prediction: Napoli 1-2 Barcelona

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