Man City Home Record Too Strong For Napoli

Man City begin life in the Champions League with a tough game and a tough group but they couldn't be in any better form going into the game. Man City sit joint top of the Premiership and have scored a huge fifteen goals in their four league matches so far. Add in the fact that Man City have conceded just one goal at home in their last ten matches and they are clearly going to be a force to be reckoned with this season. Napoli are not a side to be underestimated though, they are likely to be contenders for the Serie A title this season and have the very talented Edinson Cavani up front, he is likely to enjoy plenty more successful seasons in this competition be it with Napoli or a bigger club.

 

Roberto Mancini has fielded a more attacking line up than usual in recent games and his hand could be forced here with Nigel De Jong still out of action with a foot injury and Gareth Barry also an injury doubt due to an ankle problem. The hard working James Milner could also miss out because of concussion suffered against Wigan whilst Owen Hargreaves has not been included in Man city's Champions League squad. Mario Balotelli is suspended for this match following his red card in the Europa League for City last season. 

 

Napoli's star midfielder Marek Hamsik was only a substitute at the weekend in the Serie A opener against Cesena but he should return to the starting line up, probably coming in for Blerim Dzemaili. Walter Gargano could also return to partner Gokhan Inler in midfield.

 

Napoli are hugely respected and could pull off a couple of shocks in this group but Man City are on fire at the moment and should put home advantage to good use. They should have too much for Napoli going forward and the strong City defence is likely to keep Napoli chances to a minimum so expect to see a home win in this match.