Benfica vs Napoli preview, prediction, team news, and head-to-head

This game will be the 8th time two rival managers,  Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho, will meet. Both Napoli and Benfica will come into this match with the sole goal of picking up vital points.

Benfica have avoided defeat in their last 5 matches, including a 1-1 draw against Liga Portugal champions, Sporting CP. Mourinho's men were only able to secure their first UCL win of this campaign in the last match against Ajax.

To avoid elimination from the champions league tournament, the Portuguese team will need to win this fixture and even gain points in subsequent matches.

Napoli are in excellent form and sit in a better position on the UCL table. The Blues got past Serie A heavyweight Juventus to reclaim the top spot of the league table, which was temporarily held by Inter Milan.

Conte's men have been able to win all of their last five matches across all competitions, showing that they are serious about business this season. A win in this match will surely take them closer to having automatic qualification to the next round of the competition.

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Both teams have met in European competitions 4 times, with the Italian champions winning on 3 occasions (L1). The 5th meeting was a pre-season club friendly match that ended 2-1 in favour of Napoli.

In those 5 meetings between the two teams, only one of them did not see both teams score. Also, 4 out of those matches produced over 2.5 goals, showing how entertaining fixtures involving them can be.

Mourinho will come into this match with close to full squad strength, as the only missing players are still Dodi Lukebakio, Bruma, and Alexander Bah. Although Prestianni was sent off in their last match, his suspension does not apply to the Champions League match.

For Napoli, Conte will most likely stick to the same formation he used in the last match. David Neres will play up front, alongside Hojlund, who netted twice in the match against Juventus.

The match will still be without Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne as they are still recovering from injuries. This leaves the midfield creativity in the hands of Scottish playmaker McTominay.

Benfica (4-2-3-1): Trubin; Dedic, Otamendi, A. Silva, Dahl; Rios, Barrenechea; Aursnes, Barreiro, Sudakov; Pavlidis

Napoli 3-4-2-1): Milinkovic-Savic; Beukema, Rrahmani, Buongiorno; Di Lorenzo, McTominay, Elmas, Spinazzola; Lang, Neres; Hojlund

While Napoli face significant injury problems, their results in recent matches will boost their morale when they face a Benfica side that is just trying to pick up its form at the global stage. However, the odds on Livescorebet and other betting platforms also favour the home team.

Correct score prediction: Benfica 1-1 Napoli

Bet on Napoli to win or draw.

Both teams to score - Yes.

Over 7.5 corner bet