Napoli vs Leicester City prediction for Thursday’s Europa League clash at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in Naples. In the tightest group of the Europa League this season, third placed Napoli host Group C leaders Leicester in matchday six of the 2021/22 season. You can follow our free preview prediction and betting tips on this page.
We travel to Naples on Thursday ??#NapLei pic.twitter.com/srWGvjNU5p
— Leicester City (@LCFC)
A win is the only way for Napoli
One thing is clear, Napoli lost the momentum they had early in the season. To clarify, the Azzurri lost just one of their first 16 matches in all competitions this season. However, in the last five games, Napoli won one drew one and lost three matches. That includes their most recent defeat to Atalanta at the weekend – a result that saw Napoli relinquish top spot in Serie A.
Certainly, the once so reliable defense of Spalletti is letting him down time and again. To illustrate, the Partenopei conceded ten goals in the last five matches. On the positive side, Spalletti can have no worries with his offense who have scored in all of their home games this season. Napoli need to bounce back and get back to winning ways in this match otherwise they will not qualify for the next round.
Leicester City
Despite leading group C, Leicester are not guaranteed a knockout stage berth unless they win this game. Hence, it all could go wrong for the Foxes if they lose to Napoli and there was a winner in the Legia vs Spartak match. In that case, Leicester would finish third and play in the Europa Conference League. As a result, under fire coach Brendan Rodgers has to keep his team’s focus on this match in spite of a weak Premier League form.
In fact, Leicester have won only one of their last six Premier League matches. As for the Europa League, their situation improved thanks to a haul of seven points out of a possible nine. Notably, the Foxes’ away win in Moscow against Spartak was the highlight of their season. Coupled with a home win over Legia in the last round, gave Leicester the lead in the group.
Napoli vs Leicester City Prediction
Things couldn’t get any tighter in this group as just two points separate first placed Leicester (eight) and fourth-placed Legia (six). In effect, anything is possible in this group. However, any team that wins is guaranteed European football come February.
As a result, and depending on the coaches’ strategies, some teams might defend and rely on counters. But Napoli prefer to play on the front foot and their attacking football is routinely entertaining. We expect Spalletti to maintain his style of play, with an extra focus in defense.
Despite Napoli being the favorites to win with the bookies, we prefer to bet on the total goals scored. And looking at both teams’ recent games, there was plenty of goalmouth action produced. However, with the importance of the game things can be very tight. Thus under 4.5 goals combined with a double chance outcome is our preferred option on Thursday.
Napoli vs Leicester City Betting Tips
Napoli win or draw and under 4.5 goals 1.58 at Vbet
Both teams to score 1.63 at Vbet
Single: WonEuropa League17:45/9 decNapoli vs Leicester CityBet: Napoli win or draw and under 4.5 goalsto:50% players believe that this bet will win!Single: LostEuropa League17:45/9 decNapoli vs Leicester CityBet: Both teams to scoreto:50% players believe that this bet will win!