1 Feb 2022
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A 1-1 daw in the first leg leaves this tie firmly in the balance and it would be a surprise if either team can claim the second meeting by a clear margin, as both arrive in decent form.
Napoli are unbeaten over 90 minutes in nine appearances, with an extra-time defeat to Fiorentina the sole blemish, though have drawn their last three against Inter, Barcelona and most recently Cagliari.
Barcelona are now unbeaten in 13 matches over 90 minutes since a 3-0 loss to Bayern in early December, even if this did include a pair of extra-time defeats to Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao in the Spanish Super Cup and Copa del Rey respectively.
A 4-1 win away at Valencia this weekend was an encouraging sign, with new recruit Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang credited with a hat-trick, as the Catalans appear stronger at the sharp end following their January arrivals.
The Gabon striker should find himself leading the line again with Memphis Depay working his way back from injury, with Adama Traore, Ferran Torres and Ousmane Dembele competing for the wide berths.
Under 2.5 Goals
Ansu Fati remains injured, but it’s in defence where Xavi has problems. Ronald Araujo’s return at the weekend was a welcome boost, but Eric Garcia was forced off at half time and joins Samuel Umtiti, Sergi Roberto and Clement Lenglet on the sidelines.
Moreover, Dani Alves is ineligible for the Europa League, while Sergio Busquets will likely be handed a rest in the middle of the park.
The hosts also have their fair share of absentees and right-back in particular could pose a problem, with both Kelvin Malcuit and Giovanni Di Lorenzo major doubts, so youngster Alessandro Zanoli may have to deputize.
Defensive midfielder Stanislav Lobotka is unavailable and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa also looks set to miss out in that department, while wingers Hirving Lozano and Matteo Politano are injured as well.
1-1 Draw
Napoli have been involved in a number of low-scoring affairs as 10 of the last 12 have featured a maximum of two goals, and up against a Barca side that strengthened in attack last month, will inevitably seek to keep this encounter tight.
They’ve now drawn three on the bounce and in fact, limited to results against the current top eight domestically and Barca last week, Napoli have now drawn four in a row.
Meanwhile, Barcelona have drawn five of eight games, with both teams scoring in seven of these, so a repeat 1-1 stalemate could be on the cards.
PREDICTIONS:
1-1 DRAW
UNDER 2.5 GOALS
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